Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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148. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of instances where a Minister has had to make alternative travel arrangements due to an Air Corps plane being unavailable due to mechanical or staffing issues in each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 to date, by year, in tabular form; the cost associated with the alternative arrangements in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53456/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) provides the Government and the President with an independent and flexible air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations.

MATS is delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA 235 and/or other Air Corps aircraft may be used. Therefore, in situations where there are no suitable Air Corps aircraft, it has become necessary to avail of an air taxi service.

The Learjet is currently approaching its natural end of life. Based on current serviceability issues, discontinuation of manufacturer support and limited part availability for this type of older aircraft, the Air Corps estimate that the aircraft will require replacement by 2024 at the latest.

My department is proceeding with a tender competition to acquire a new mid-sized jet aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport.

Information in relation to MATS is publicly available on my Department's website, where it is updated on a monthly basis. www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/#ministerial-air-transport-service-mats. It has not been possible to collate the additional information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy to provide this information as soon as it is available.