Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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142. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no current direct flight exists between Ireland and the Silicon Valley or San Francisco areas in California; if he believes such a direct air link would provide an employment boost to the Irish economy in terms of foreign direct investment given that Silicon Valley is a central hub for worldwide technology companies; the discussions he and his departmental officials have held with multinational employers or airlines on this matter in the past two years; if he believes such a route would be hugely beneficial for Ireland given the pre-clearance for US customs and immigration at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33283/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The answer to this question has not  changed since the Deputy asked the same question of me on 4 July last. Improving Ireland's international connectivity is a key aspect of national aviation policy and this policy is promoted in all contacts I and my Department have with the aviation industry.  The Ireland-US air services market is fully liberalised and decisions regarding new services are a commercial matter for the airlines. Four US airlines and Aer Lingus already provide a wide range routes between the two countries, and the market is open to all other US and European airlines.

 On 3 July Aer Lingus announced that it will commence direct services from Dublin to San Francisco in early 2014.  A direct air service to the West Coast of the US is identified as a key action point in the Government's Action Plan for Jobs and I welcome the fact that this need is being fulfilled.  The importance of this route is demonstrated by the fact that over 40% of Ireland's total foreign direct investment comes from Silicon Valley alone. This new service provided by Aer Lingus will help to sustain this investment and help attract further investment in the future.