asked the Minister for Defence under what conditions and for what functions the Army places a helicopter at his personal disposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister's use of Helicopter.
16.
In the course of my duty as Minister for Defence I make occasional use of Army helicopters where I consider it necessary to do so for the purpose of saving time or to observe terrain not easily accessible on the ground. This use is usually made in the company of officers of my Department or high-ranking Army officers.
Is there any set procedure by which a Minister may use a helicopter?
He just asks for it if he is advised by his secretariat or by the Army that it would be appropriate to use it at the time.
Would those two conditions include such things as taking over the duties of the Attorney General when he went to Cork or going on pilgrimages?
The Minister has other duties as well.
They cannot advise you to do that. You have to take that decision yourself.
I had better explain this. On the occasion of the pilgrimage to Knock I had a duty to attend a dinner for the students European equestrian games in Dublin that evening. Because of the fact that the Army are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin there was a request that the Army should be present and should pay honour at Knock. This was done by having present the band of the Western Command, an altar party for the Elevation, and also cadets and others who had other duties. At least 75 to 100 Army personnel were present. I had to be in both places. It would have been quite difficult for me to do it by car, although eventually I had to, because the weather did not allow me to fly in a helicopter. On that occasion I spent ten hours in the car and I was 1¼ hours late for my appointment in Dublin.
The right way to do a pilgrimage is to join the crowd going in.
If I feel that my duties as Minister for Defence necessitate flying in a helicopter I will fly in a helicopter.
(Interruptions.)
May I ask the Minister whether on the occasion on which he either permitted or invited—I am not sure which it was—a British Army helicopter into our territory he personally was using one of our Army helicopters?
I was not.
Can the Minister tell us how many times he has used the helicopters since his appointment?
Off the cuff I would say five or six times; possibly seven.
There was a disgraceful scene down in Cork.
Actually I am going down to Cork in a helicopter on Sunday to commission some cadets.
Do not do what you did the last time.
I hope the Minister will not let any Claudia and crew go this time.
Contrary to the tenor of the questions and the supplementaries, may I say if the helicopters are there why the hell should they not be used by members of the Government, whatever Government may be in office, if it is in the performance of their duties.
Thank you.
I am very surprised that the Deputy agrees that they should be used flying the Minister around the country while British army helicopters are carrying out surveillance over our territory.
You flew down the SDLP during the election.