Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans in view of the current economic climate for the Government jet and the workers directly employed in relation to the jet. [12481/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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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 Learjet 45 has the capacity to carry 7 passengers and is tasked with short and medium haul missions to the UK and Europe. The Gulfstream IV, has the capacity to carry 14 passengers and can be tasked with long haul missions to destinations such as the United States, Africa and the Middle East, as well as to European destinations.

The Gulfstream IV aircraft is in service for 20 years and has accumulated over 12,000 flying hours to date. If any costly non-routine maintenance or major structural repair is required to be carried out, the aircraft will be grounded and a decision will be made on the future of the jet. Meantime, the aircraft will remain in service.

The Air Corps personnel who are assigned to the Ministerial Air Transport Service are also engaged in administrative ground appointments and are required to function in a staff capacity as members of the Defence Forces.