Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)

Opening up new markets across the world was mentioned in the budget statements yesterday, and one aspect of that is getting direct flights between different countries. I ask that we have a debate with the Minister for Transport about that. Obviously, relationships with America are unstable - that is probably the best way to put it - and we need to diversify our markets. Tokyo and Japan are really good opportunities for Ireland. I was there last week as part of the foreign affairs committee. Japan is very similar to Ireland in terms of its nervousness about having stable relationship with America. They are looking to the European Union, and they see Ireland as the only English-speaking country in the bloc. They see a real opportunity to enhance business between both countries but that can only be done by having direct flights between Dublin and Tokyo. That sends a message of confidence that both countries can work together. Japan is a country where you do not really get a deal today or tomorrow but once you show commitment, they really buy into it. That is why Ireland and the Department of foreign affairs has spent almost €20 million on a new embassy in Tokyo, Ireland House, and the ambassador is doing phenomenal work. In the last number of months, half the Cabinet have visited expos over there. The Taoiseach opened the embassy in July.Japan is the biggest country in Asia financially, it is part of the G7 and it is a country with which we have built up a really strong relationship over the past 70 or 80 years. When we talk about opportunities, that is one we should deal with.

I had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Hiroshima who wanted to pass on his gratitude at being able to speak in this Chamber to Members last year. He wished everyone well. He knew there had been an election. He acknowledged the Cathaoirleach's re-election and noted that our former Cathaoirleach had progressed onto a higher level. He had fond memories of last year when he was here and he wanted to pass on his regards.