Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

These are matters that must be dealt with by the Minister for Defence. I do not have information that goes beyond the remit of the original question. One must be mindful of the costs involved in conducting Government business and that is done. It is not possible for any Government in modern times to do its business without the availability of its own craft. The idea that we should be unique in that respect by not having one is incorrect. It sends a nice populist message but does not increase the efficiency of Government business in terms of the demands on officeholders. They must be doing business at home and abroad. The Gulfstream is the longest serving of its type. It requires maintenance because we decided not to buy a replacement. It is important that it is safely used.

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