Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The cost of the ministerial use of the three planes, the Gulfstream, the Learjet and the Beechcraft, between 2006 and November 2008 amounted to some €9 million. This included a failed mission to Texas at a cost of €164,000. If the two Ministers involved had flown on a commercial flight it would have cost between €1,000 and €1,500 to fly business class.

Deputy Gilmore pointed out that military helicopters have been used on a regular basis by Ministers for internal travel. This racked up over 52.5 hours of travel and cost the taxpayer over €116,000 in 2008. The door fell off a helicopter in an infamous circling of Killarney golf club.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, who is not present and is never here-----

See this speech in context