asked the Minister for Defence the total number of flying hours logged by the aircraft bought for fishery protection since its purchase; the number of hours on which it was being used for purposes other than fishery protection; and if he will give details of each flight which took place other than for fishery protection purposes, including the destination, purpose, passengers and approximate cost.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Fishery Protection Aircraft .
30.
: The aircraft leased on 9 March 1977 has flown a total of 643 hours from that date up to 29 May 1978. Of this, 35 hours 15 minutes was in respect of essential military requirements and 59 hours 30 minutes was in respect of the transportation on official business of Ministers and senior officials to and from destinations in Europe, Great Britain and Ireland. It is not feasible to furnish costs in respect of individual flights.
: Would the Minister agree that it is hardly appropriate that a plane which is leased for fishery protection should spend 10 per cent of its time carrying people back and forward to Brussels?
: Ministerial protection.
: This was taken into consideration when the aircraft was required to bring members of the Government to meetings in different parts of Europe which they had to attend and, but for the fact that the plane was used as it was, the Government would not have been represented at these meetings because of circumstances which existed at the time.
: Does the Minister recall the attitude taken by his party when on this side of the House towards the projected purchase of such an airplane by the previous Government?
: The situation clearly shows that in 1978 there is need for such a plane and perhaps the Deputy will remember the attitude of his party when they came into office in 1973.
: In view of the fact that the Minister's party have a majority of some 20 and there are now substantial numbers of Ministers of State, the requirement of advanced planning did not necessitate the use of military aircraft.
: If the Deputy understood the system which is in operation with regard to the attendance of members of the Government at meetings, he would know full well that it is not often that the people attending these meetings know when they will finish. Often they can go on overnight and carry on the following day.
: What is to prevent Ministers from availing of scheduled Aer Lingus services in view of the fact that State money is involved?
: There is no question on the Order Paper about Ministers flying to Brussels.
: Could the Minister tell the House whether this plane was used for these purposes at any time during the strike at Dublin airport.
: I am reasonably sure that it was in use at that time.