David Norris (Independent)

In addition I hope the Government jet is used more frequently because it is a capital asset that is decreasing in value all the time it is on the ground. It should be used as much as possible. In addition to the decreasing capital value, it needs air crew and ground crew on standby. It needs to be flown around the country twice a week if it is empty to keep it going. We are wasting money in not using it, but the media consistently go for this because it is a soft, easy, sexy story even though it is not true. I want efficiency and I want the Government jet used as much as possible to make Ministers efficient. If it is misused or abused, then, as a taxpayer, I want to know about it. However, I do not want the Government jet left lying idle on the tarmac with people taking economy trips when they should be taken in comfort. In very serious negotiations they should be facilitated with every resource of the State. If they do not do an efficient job, then hold them up, but do not tell lies about the misuse of assets.