Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 11 March 2009, the reason given in each case for the reason he approved such use of helicopters for ministerial transport; the names of those who travelled with the Minister in each such case; if he has ever refused a request for helicopter use; if so, the name of the Minister concerned and the reasons for such refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11257/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As I pointed out to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 98 of 11 March 2009, requests for use of Air Corps helicopters are made by Ministers' Private Secretaries to my office and are dealt with, in the first instance, by the staff of my office. The requests are examined by my staff with regard to the need for and purpose of travel, the destination and other logistical details. Any necessary clarification or further information is sought at this point. If a request is deemed not to be in accordance with the guidance set out in the Cabinet Handbook, the relevant Private Secretary is so informed. All screened requests are then submitted to me for my consideration and approval, if deemed appropriate. I have considered the requests submitted to me since I became Taoiseach to be appropriate and have approved them.

It is not my Department, but the Department of Defence, that keeps records of details such as the names of persons who travelled in relation to trips undertaken. In response to a parliamentary question by Deputy Broughan on 10 March 2009 the Minister for Defence provided details of the use of helicopters by Ministers from 2005.