Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1769: To ask the Minister for Defence the costing for the use of the Government jets in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33388/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Ministerial Air Transport Service is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The 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: the direct cost, which is the cost that is additional to those associated with having the aircraft and only arises when the aircraft is flown and may include the cost of maintenance, fuel and support services, such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges; and the total cost, which is the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, such as depreciation and personnel costs. The average hourly costs associated with Air Corps aircraft used in the provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service, which are kept under review and were updated in 2005 and most recently in 2009, are as follows:

Details of hours flown per aircraft type for the last five years are contained in the following table: