Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2007
67 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of journeys made on Government aircraft by Ministers or staff of his Department or its agencies to date in 2007; the origin and destination of each journey; the cost of each journey to the State; the reason a Government aircraft was used rather than scheduled air travel or surface travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15467/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the beginning of 2007, I, Ministers of State and staff of my Department have made 8 journeys on Government aircraft. The journeys undertaken were as follows:
International Flights:
Minister Martin
Baldonnel-Cork-Paris, 14 January 2007 — EI Trade Mission
Baldonnel-Cork-Brussels-Baldonnel, 19 February 2007 — Competitiveness Council
Minister Ahern
Baldonnel-Cork-Brussels-Cork-Baldonnel, 11 February 2007 — Informal meeting of Trade Ministers
Baldonnel-Cork-Paris-Baldonnel, 20 February 2007 — Meeting with French Trade Minister
Domestic flights:
Baldonnel-Cork-Knock-Cork-Baldonnel, 22 February 2007 — Jobs announcement and Company events
Baldonnel-Cork-Baldonnel, 27 March 2007 — Jobs announcement
Baldonnel-Cork-Baldonnel, 29 March 2007 — Jobs announcement
Baldonnel-Cork-Baldonnel, 25 April 2007 —Pharma/Biotech industry dinner.
The cost of flights on Government aircraft is a matter for the Department of Defence. Government aircraft are used where scheduled commercial flights are not available or are not feasible given tight schedules.
