Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Learjet which was purchased some time ago caters for shorter flights to Europe and so on. The Beechcraft is used by the Air Corps for aircraft training purposes. It is not used often, if at all, for travel purposes given, as stated, it is 29 years old. They are the aircraft available.

On the Deputy's other question, the Government jet is used from time to time in connection with business in Brussels bearing in mind what time meetings are taking place and at what time people are required to be back home. This type of service is not guaranteed on scheduled flights. It is not possible to use scheduled services in all cases though they are used by personnel doing business in Brussels on a regular basis.

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