Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not have that information to hand and will have to get it for the Deputy. The Department of Defence has information on the detailed arrangements regarding the numbers of flights, who goes where and whatever else.

In regard to the first matter, a Government jet is necessary to conduct our business. It is not required in all cases or at all times by all Ministers and it is not used in all cases or at all times by all Ministers. In the context of doing business, it is necessary to make these facilities available. In the course of one's work, occasions arise when one moves from one capital to another. It would not be possible to do that through scheduled flights alone but it is not something that is sought to be used inappropriately. The Government jet is used in the conduct of Government business and so that one can get back the same day rather than wait overnight for flights, thereby ensuring one is available the following morning or day to do one's job here at home. It is part of the conduct of business of Government and it is the practice of all Governments of which I am aware, in particular those in the European Union.

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