Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach indicated that one of the aircraft is being used by the Air Corps. Would it not be better for the Government to dispose of it or to sign it over to the Air Corps?

The Taoiseach shared with us statistics in regard to the use of Government jets by Ministers. Can he provided us with the statistics in regard to the use of commercial airline services by Ministers as a first choice? Does the Taoiseach have information in respect of foreign travel catered for by scheduled flights operated by commercial airlines and, if so, will he share that information with us?

Last Saturday, we all raised a cheer in celebration of Ireland's win over France. When listening earlier to questions from my colleagues, I was reminded of the Taoiseach's rugby interests and his attendance last year at the Heineken Cup final in Cardiff. The Taoiseach may recall the heavy water which he and Ministers Cullen and Martin got into in respect of their exploration of Welsh-Irish relations during their attendance with Mr. Morgan at the cup final in Cardiff. Did the Taoiseach, arising out of that early experience in his role as Taoiseach initiate any new regulations or standards which Members, Ministers or taoisigh should meet in respect of the use of the Government jet or jets? Will the Taoiseach accept there was quite a brouhaha in that regard at the time? It certainly raised some questions that merited address.

Leaving aside inappropriate use of Government jets by Ministers and taoisigh, will the Taoiseach comment on inappropriate use of Government jets for the transport of unofficial representatives. For example, for the visit last year by the Minister, Deputy Harney, to the United States in an effort to inform herself of further measures to privatise health services, I understand she was accompanied by her husband.

Is it appropriate that those who are not Government Ministers, including family, acquaintances and so on — where does one draw the line? — have the opportunity to accompany Ministers on ostensibly official business representing the Government? If this is the case, is it frequent or infrequent? Is there any regulation in regard to offsetting the cost through a contribution? Arising out of the exposure of that trip, did the Taoiseach take any steps or further actions following his Cardiff experience to set in train more appropriate guidelines for the use of Government jets into the future?

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