Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 825: To ask the Minister for Defence if private helicopters or private planes have been used for ministerial travel since 2005; the reason such transport was used; the cost of same; the destinations travelled to; if quotations were sought ; the reason other forms of transport were ruled out; the names of persons who travelled with him on each such journey; the protocols for such hire; if the Taoiseach is required to approve of such travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11266/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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On the basis of information available in my Department, the only occasion on which my Department hired a private plane for Ministerial travel since 2005, was when former Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., travelled to Africa between 14th and 17th January 2008 (see table below).

My Department was requested by the Department of the Taoiseach to organise an air taxi for a party of 50 people on that occasion. In accordance with national public procurement guidelines, a tender competition was organised and the details were published on the eTenders website. Quotes were subsequently received from four companies. The total cost of the travel amounted to €97,938 (ex VAT).

The reason such transport was used, the reason other forms of transport were ruled out, and the names of other members of the travelling party are a matter for the Department of the Taoiseach, as such information is not available in my Department. However, I can confirm that commercial flights were used for all legs of the journey to and from Africa for this visit.