asked the Minister for Defence the number of authorisations he has issued for helicopter flights on which the Taoiseach was a passenger since 1 January 1980.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Taoiseach's Helicopter Flights
14.
: Since 1 January 1980 Army helicopters have been used on eight occasions to convey the Taoiseach within the State.
: Would the Minister give an indication of the latest date to which this figure applies? It is an open-ended question.
: The information I have given the Deputy is up to 16 October 1980.
: Why do the Department's records cease with such astonishing rapidity on 16 October? Why is it not possible to give me more recent information than over six weeks ago?
: It is only two weeks ago.
: The Taoiseach was lost in Donegal.
: I will let the Deputy know if there have been any but that is the latest information I have. The question asks the number of authorisations issued and up to 16 October that was the number.
: Does each authorisation cover one flight only or a number of flights?
: There is an authorisation for each flight.
: Is the Minister satisfied that on all occasions when helicopters were used by the Taoiseach they were not required for other purposes by Army personnel?
: I am so satisfied.
: Will the Taoiseach give the reasons why it was necessary for the Taoiseach to use the helicopters?
: For security purposes it is not the practice to give any details of flights by Army helicopters.
: Arising from——
: A final supplementary, please.
: Does any authorisation need to be issued in relation to training flights by helicopters in which persons, such as the Taoiseach, might be travelling?
: As in the case of the Taoiseach or anyone else an Army helicopter being used outside its normal use is the subject of an authorisation.
: For security reasons what does the Minister intend to do with Deputy de Valera?
: Arising from——
: I have called the final question.
: A final supplementary.
: I have already allowed a number of questions on this and I know the Deputy will obey the Chair.
: He is more obedient than Deputy de Valera.