asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the State to date of hiring executive jets under the following headings:—(a) the cost of hiring and the operational cost of the first jet, (b) the cost of hiring and the operational cost of the second jet; and the reason the Government cannot use Aer Lingus or other transport.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hiring of Executive Jets.
41.
In March 1979 the Government decided to obtain a twin-engined jet transport aircraft for operation by the Air Corps on pilot training, air ambulance, search and rescue and the transport of Government Ministers and officials especially to EEC meetings in Europe.
In May 1979 contracts were entered into with British Aerospace for the purchase of a Hawker-Siddeley 125 Series 700 aircraft and for the lease of a similar type aircraft pending delivery of the new aircraft. For reasons the Deputy will appreciate it is not the practice to disclose contract prices. The new aircraft was delivered in February 1980.
Members of the Government continue to use Aer Lingus and other scheduled services when suitable but the flexibility and speed provided by the transport aircraft as operated by the Air Corps has proved invaluable on numerous occasions.
In the time available it was not possible to obtain an accurate estimate of the operating costs involved but I will communicate with the Deputy on this aspect.
Is the Minister aware that taxpayers are gravely disturbed at what may be the misuse of their money for the purpose of Ministers jetsetting throughout Europe especially when at all times there are vacant seats on Aer Lingus planes to Europe?
I am not aware of any such thing. I have pointed out to the Deputy that this aircraft is used also for a number of other purposes, but he may be aware that many Ministers must attend EEC meetings very regularly. In the past attendance at a meeting which might last for a day or for a half-day involved a Minister being away from his office for two or three days simply because the scheduled flights were not suitable. I think the House will accept that such a situation could not be allowed to continue.
Is the Minister aware——
The remaining Questions will appear on the Order Paper for next Tuesday.