Tony Gregory
Question:112 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Defence the aircraft available for Government use; the cost involved for acquisition, leasing, operation and maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20735/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
The ministerial air transport service (MATS) is primarily provided by the Air Corps using a Gulfstream IV aircraft which can carry up to 14 passengers. A Beech Super King Air 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. Outside of this, air taxis can be chartered if the GIV is unavailable (either for maintenance or on other ministerial flights). However, the use of Air Corps aircraft and the chartering of air taxis must be approved in advance by The Taoiseach.
It is the case that, from time to time, when the MATS aircraft are not available, the CASA aircraft and Air Corps helicopters have been used where they are not already tasked for other duties and are available. However, such situations arise only very infrequently.
The total cost of the GIV, including the cost of lease payments during the period December, 1991 to December, 2001 amounted to €44.06 million (inclusive of VAT). The cost of the Beech Super King Air, when purchased in 1980, was approximately €1 million. The cost of the two CASA aircraft, which are primarily tasked on a full-time basis to fisheries protection duties, was €55.3 million (inclusive of VAT), when they were purchase in 1994, of which €22.9 million was refunded by the EU.
The Department of Defence follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings, (a) the direct cost, that is, the costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services and (b) the total cost, that is, the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft. The figures currently being used by the Department of Defence in respect of the Gulfstream IV are a direct cost of €2,500 per flying hour and a total cost of €5,550 per flying hour. The figures currently used for the Beech Super King Air are a direct cost of €900 per flying hour and a total cost of €1,400 per flying hour, while for the CASA a direct cost of €1,000 and a total cost of €2,400 are the appropriate figures.