asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the steps he is taking to establish a direct air link between Ireland and Japan on the trans-Siberia route in order to encourage trade and tourism with this dynamic and increasingly mobile nation.
Written Answers - Ireland-Japan Air Link.
19.
The present level of passenger traffic between Ireland and Japan would not be sufficient to support an economically viable direct air service between the two countries. I have not been approached by any airline with proposals to operate direct services between Ireland and Japan. I would hope to see the establishment of such services in the longer term and you may be assured that I will give favourable consideration to any proposals which I receive for a direct Ireland-Japan air service.