Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ministerial Flights.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

597 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to curtail the use of aircraft for internal ministerial flights; the other criteria applicable for the use of these aircraft in view of the fact that Ministers are already allocated a State car and drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19374/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The criteria for the use of Air Corps aircraft, both fixed wing and rotary, for the transport of Ministers on internal and external flights, have been set down by successive Governments over the years and are regarded as satisfactory.

The use of Air Corps aircraft for ministerial transport takes into account many factors such as the priority of Minister's engagements, the demands of Minister's schedules and the availability and suitability of other travel arrangements.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

598 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence the makes and models of the State helicopters used by Ministers for transport around the country; the cost per hour of direct and indirect flights; the number of craft available for normal duties when one is engaged in the transport of a Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19375/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The Air Corps operate a fleet of 15 helicopters as follows:

Helicopter Type	Number
Alouette III	8
Dauphin	5
Gazelle	2

These aircraft are involved in a wide range of duties such as search and rescue, fishery protection, air ambulance work and security missions and the number of helicopters required to carry out these duties varies from day to day. In addition to these duties helicopters are occasionally made available for the transportation of Ministers. The tasking of helicopters for Ministerial transport is subject to criteria set down by successive Governments over the years.

The cost of using Air Corps helicopters is as follows:

Helicopter Type	Direct Cost (Maintenance, Fuel and Support Services) Per Hour	Overall Costs (Including Depreciation, Maintenance and Support Services) Per Hour
	£	£
Aloutte III	400	800
Dauphin	1,200	2,100
Gazelle	345	700

Both direct and overall costs are calculated by reference to the number of hours flown by the aircraft.