Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Government jets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16841/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft which, whilst acquired specifically for that purpose, are also assigned a range of other taskings from time to time including Air Ambulance missions, humanitarian operations and support for Search and Rescue, Mountain Rescue and Pollution Control operations. The flexibility that these aircraft provide will also be particularly valuable during Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the European Union. There are no plans at present to dispose of either aircraft, and ultimately any decision in this regard will be a matter for Government.