Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy asked two questions. What happened in the Meadhbh McGivern case is to be deeply regretted. Deputy Adams is aware that the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, recently published its report into the failed transfer of Meadhbh to the UK on 2 July for a liver transplant. A key recommendation of that report is that a national aeromedical co-ordination group be established to implement its findings. I believe that is appropriate. The Learjet was used to transfer Meadhbh to the UK on 15 September. The Learjet has been made available on previous occasions for missions of mercy or for medical reasons. We must now move on to implementation of the recommendations of the HIQA report into Meadhbh not being transferred to London on time on the first occasion. I hope, as we all do, she makes a fully recovery. I saw reports that a transfer back to Ireland was refused. While not a doctor, it seems to me that an aircraft with 300 other people would not be a suitable place for a young patient in her condition. If there is a request for her transfer back to Ireland, it will be granted.

The cost for the participation of the Government jet in the Maltese air show came to €13,095. This is based on 6.7 hours return flying at an average hourly direct cost of €1,940. This is not a request that comes across my desk when I deal with ministerial transport. The reason for the participation in the show was because the Maltese authorities supported us in transporting Irish citizens out of Libya to Valletta.

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