Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 519: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost per hour of having a Garda helicopter fly over the city of Dublin during evening rush hour as part of Operation Freeflow; the cost for having that helicopter engaged in that way during December 2005 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5192/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the approximate cost per flying hour for the Garda helicopter, excluding the aircrew, is €1,000 per hour. This figure includes all other operating costs and is in line with internationally accepted operating costs for a helicopter operating in a police environment.

The total number of hours flown by the Garda helicopter for Operation Freeflow during the month of December 2005 was 12, with an approximate cost of €12,000. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the total approximate operating cost for the Garda helicopter, including aircrew, for Operation Freeflow during the month of December 2005 was €12,990.