Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the total cost to the Exchequer of the two Government jets since this Government came into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36998/12]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form a detailed breakdown of each journey undertaken by each of the two Government jets; the purpose of each trip; the members of the Government or other Ministers present, if any, since this Government came into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37382/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1307 and 1317 together.

The Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft are primarily used to provide the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) and were specifically acquired for this purpose. From time to time these aircraft are also assigned a range of military and other taskings including Air Ambulance missions, humanitarian operations and support for Search and Rescue, Mountain Rescue and Pollution Control operations.

Details of the usage of these aircraft for MATS purposes from 9 March 2011 to 31 August 2012 are set out in the tabular statement below, and include details of the requesting Minister(s), dates of travel, mission route and Ministerial time on board. The purpose of each trip is a matter for the requesting Department and is not included in the statement. The details provided relate to requests from Government Ministers that have been approved by the Taoiseach.

The Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under each of two headings: The direct cost which includes 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 such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges; The total cost which is the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, including depreciation and personnel costs.

Costs in 2011/12:

Average Direct Cost Per Hour € Average Total Cost Per Hour €

GULFSTREAM IV (From 9 March 2011 to 31 August 2012)