Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 2

Written Answers - Ministerial Air Transport Service.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

87 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of flights made by the MATS Gulfstream IV jet between Baldonnell and Dublin Airport in each of the past five years; the reason for the number of such flights having regard to the views of experts that such short-haul flights can significantly add to wear and tear on the aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8920/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The number of flights made by the Gulfstream IV jet between Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, and Dublin Airport in each of the past five years is:

Year	Baldonnel to Dublin	Dublin to Baldonnel
1998	28.00	36.00
1999	31.00	32.00
2000	30.00	31.00
2001	15.00	14.00
2002	9.00	17.00
Total	113.00	130.00

The higher number of flights from Dublin to Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, is due to missions which may have departed in the first instance from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, but returned to Dublin.

The Gulfstream IV jet operates to and from either Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, or Dublin depending on the mission profile and whichever location is most suited to the overall needs of the travelling group.