asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) the cost per hour of operating a helicopter; and (b) the cost per hour of operating a motor car.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Helicopter Operating Costs.
71.
An accurate costing of the operation of an Army helicopter which would take account of all relevant factors such as depreciation, cost of spares and overhauls, fuel and oil, pay and allowances of crew and overhead charges is not available. It is estimated, however, that the cost approximates to £80 per hour.
The cost of operating Army road transport is assessed on a mileage basis and the latest costing for an Army saloon is 8½ new pence per mile.
Would the Minister examine the comparative costs and let us know if there is any directive extant in his Department as to which mode of transport would be more frequently used?
Helicopters are used for training purposes and these flights can be availed of by Army officers on official business.
Is it not true that the cost which the Minister has just given us is the operational cost which would make very little difference whether the helicopter was flying or not?
That is true, I suppose.
That is a separate question.
: The Minister has given an answer to a question here which is not the information which I understand Deputy Cooney sought. He gave the cost of operating a motor car while it is running and in giving the cost of the helicopter he took into account the cost for the whole year round. It costs about £3.10 an hour to keep a helicopter in the air and the Minister should say that.
: I did not give a break-down. I was not asked for that. I have given a full answer to the question.
The Deputy asked for the cost per hour.