Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
158. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or any of its agencies are involved in any exercise, operation, training or research which includes involvement by any Israeli state agency, any Israeli-based company or any company based elsewhere in the world which is owned or part-owned by any Israeli state agency or by any Israeli-based company. [51073/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has some engagement with companies based in Israel in order to meet our obligations as part of an EU-wide approach to air travel.
The operation of scheduled air services is supported by a necessary framework provided through an air services agreement. Ireland is a party to EU air services agreements, which are negotiated by the European Commission on behalf of all EU Member States.
One such agreement - the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement - between the EU and Israel was signed on 10 June 2013 and entered into force in 2018. This agreement allows all EU and Israeli airlines to operate direct flights between any airport in the EU and Israel.
In line with our obligations under this agreement, I can confirm that my Department processed and approved the Israeli Airline El Al’s scheduled air services between Tel Aviv and Dublin for the Summer of 2023.
Information regarding the application and approval process for such services is available on the gov.ie website: www.gov.ie/en/service/9773b-scheduled-air-services/.
Certain matters raised in the Deputy’s question relate to agencies under the aegis of my Department. For completeness, I have referred your question to them for a direct reply. Please advise my Private Office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
