Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach stated in his reply that when a request for movement of the jet comes in it is dealt with initially by his staff. Thereafter, the clearance is to be given by the Taoiseach. In answer to a supplementary question, he stated his job in this regard is to authorise use of the service. He has now asked me whether I have a question on operational matters and I do. What was the purpose of moving the Government jet from Phoenix, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada? The newspaper reports from the time indicated that only Air Corp personnel were on board. Why was it necessary to move the jet from Phoenix, Arizona to Las Vegas? Was the Taoiseach, as the person who must give authorisation for the use of the service, consulted about this and did he authorise it? If he was not asked or did not authorise it, can we get from him or his office a follow up response as to why the jet travelled to Las Vegas and back to Phoenix?

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