Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Defence the tasks carried out by the Bombardier Aerospace 45 since 1 January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17148/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Learjet 45, which entered operational service as part of the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) in January 2004, operates in tandem with the Gulfstream IV in providing a Ministerial Air Transport Service for members of the Government. The Learjet is occasionally tasked with other missions when not in use by the Ministerial Air Transport Service. These include supporting the civil community by flying air ambulance missions, and supporting the Air Corps in its wider operational role. There are also occasional requirements for pilot training and post-maintenance test flights from time to time. Since 1 January 2006, the Learjet has carried out 31 MATS missions, 4 Air Ambulance missions, 1 Air Corps support mission and 9 test flight missions.