Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12426/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is assumed that the Deputy is not referring to Irish Coast Guard helicopters.

The following table sets out details of helicopter trips undertaken by Peter Cavanagh Photography who is contracted by the Department of Transport to take photographs of transport projects for use in Departmental publications and on the Department and Transport 21 websites. All ancillary services used by the photographer in the course of his work, including the services of a helicopter, are procured directly by him and the Department is billed for the costs. My Department has been assured that, as a rule, a number of quotations are sought for any helicopters trips undertaken on the Department's behalf and that value for money is a priority in selecting a supplier.

The following table contains details of Helicopter trips taken by the Air Accident Investigation Unit division (AAIU) of the Department of Transport since 2002. The first item on the list relates to bringing Inspectors of Air Accidents directly to an accident site. This service was provided by the Irish Air Corps free of charge. Since 2002 the AAIU has only availed of this service once.

The other uses relate to currency training for Inspectors. The AAIU has a requirement to maintain proficiency in their qualification to fly aircraft and helicopters. For this they are required to carry out annual rating tests with a recognized Flight Training Organisation (FTO). Premier Helicopters is the FTO for Agusta 109E helicopters.