asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if there are direct flights from this country to Australia; and if not, the plans, if any, he has to provide such a service.
Written Answers. - Ireland-Australia Air Service.
23.
There is no direct air service between Ireland and Australia. I understand that Irish airlines do not have any plans for services to Australia at present as traffic levels are not likely to make such a service a profitable venture. However, it is a question which is kept under review. I am nevertheless keen to develop tourism traffic from Australia and in this regard I recently announced a major new fares initiative to boost tourist traffic from Australia. Under the new fares arrangement, Australian visitors to London will be able to travel on to Dublin at no extra cost. I hope that this will result in a substantial increase in the number of Australian tourists visiting Ireland in 1988.