Ivor Callely
Question:79 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the aircraft that are available and used for ministerial air transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17000/01]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Air Transport.
Ivor Callely
Question:80 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the level of use of ministerial air transport over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17001/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
In March 1979 the Government decided that the Air Corps should be provided with a jet engined aircraft to be, used as necessary, to transport the President, Ministers and officials in connection with official duties. A British Aerospace HS 125 aircraft was acquired and the ministerial air transport service commenced in July 1979.
To allow the Government to fulfil European and other engagements during the term of Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 1990, the Government decided to lease a larger aircraft with transatlantic capabilities. Subsequently, the Government decided to acquire a Gulfstream IV and this aircraft, which can carry up to 14 passengers, entered service in March 1992.
A Beech Super King Air 200 turboprop aircraft, which was purchased in 1980, is also made available in support of the service, mainly to a limited number of hub destinations in Europe. While Air Corps helicopters are not designated as part of the ministerial air transport service they are used from time to time for urgent transport missions. Air taxis are also hired on occasion.
Aircraft usage during the period from 1 June 2000 to 31 May 2001 is as follows:
|
Aircraft |
Number of Flights |
|
Gulfstream IV |
114 |
|
Beechcraft |
27 |
|
Air taxis |
23 |
|
Helicopters |
32 |
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 66.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 64.
Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 24.
Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 28.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 24.
Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 38.
Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 25.
Question No. 89 withdrawn.
Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 57.
Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 49.
Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 13.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 10.