Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House. This matter concerns the provision of a direct flight service between Tel Aviv and Dublin. Ireland's trade relations with Israel have increased at a notable pace within a considerably short period of time. In 2005, Ireland's service exports to Israel amounted to €64 million, while service imports amounted to €80 million but within ten years they have increased twofold. In 2015, Ireland's service exports amounted to €1.673 billion, while service imports amounted to €171 million.

In recent years, the number of direct flights between and Ireland and international hubs of tourism and trade, such as Dubai, the USA and Belgium has been increasing. Despite this there is no direct permanent flight service between Ireland and Israel. Organisations in both countries have been campaigning for a direct and permanent flight service on the grounds that it would improve the level of production, collaboration and creativity between the two countries. A number of multinational companies such as Intel, Microsoft and Apple all have offices in both states and many Israeli based companies will benefit hugely from flying their staff directly through Ireland's US pre-clearance airports. Furthermore, in addition to the considerable tourism element, both countries are home to Irish and Israeli expatriates. A permanent direct flight service would facilitate both communities remaining connected. In addition to these considerations, a direct flight service between Ireland and Israel would improve Ireland's presentation as a global, connected and modernising state for British-based multinationals to relocate to following the result of Brexit. Therefore, as the motion stated, I ask the Minister to work in conjunction with Ireland's commercial airlines in order to play an active role in seeking a permanent, direct flight between Dublin and Tel Aviv. Such a development would be particularly beneficial to Ireland, its economy and global reach.