Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., on the occasion of his visit to SAMA Airlines, Riyadh on Monday, 15 January, 2007 (at 1.00 p.m. local time)

Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., on the occasion of his visit to SAMA Airlines, Riyadh on Monday, 15 January, 2007 (at 1.00 p.m. local time)

I am very pleased to be here with you today and to have this opportunity to see your exciting new venture.

Aer Lingus now provide a direct service between Dublin and Dubai.  This service, combined with your own, will help to open up the Gulf Region to Irish travellers and also make Ireland a more attractive option for tourists from here.

I know that you have recently signed a maintenance agreement for your new aircraft with SR Technics.  SR Technics have a major facility located at Dublin Airport employing 1,100 Irish workers. 

I am pleased to note these direct links between your work here and our workforce back home.

ENDS