Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of times each Minister used the Government jet to date in 2009; the costs of using the Government jet to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47704/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Ministerial Air Transport Service is provided by the Air Corps to facilitate members of the Government in fulfilling their official engagements at home and abroad. The Service is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. Until recently, the Beechcraft Super King Air 200 turbo-prop aircraft was also used as a back up aircraft for short and medium haul Ministerial Air Transport missions, in addition to its primary pilot training role. The CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft are occasionally tasked with MATS flights in exceptional circumstances and where the dedicated MATS aircraft are not available. The information requested regarding the number of times each Minister used the Ministerial Air Transport Service to date in 2009 is presented in the tabular statement.

My Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:

(a) The direct cost, i.e. the costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services; and

(b) The total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, i.e. depreciation and personnel costs

The current rates per hour used to establish these costs in relation to Air Corps aircraft used in provision of Ministerial Air Transport Service are as follows: