Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:
62. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason civilian aeroplane Beechcraft Model 18 tail number G-BSZC overnighted in No2 hangar in Baldonnell in 2004; the precise date of the visit; the name of the pilots, crew and passengers; and the originating airport. [40244/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I am advised that the Property Management Branch of my Department does not keep details of the nature sought by the Deputy. My officials will liaise with the military authorities seeking a report on same and I will revert directly to the Deputy when same is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Questions from 20th September 2023 which was deferred: “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason civilian aeroplane Beechcraft Model 18 tail number G-BSZC overnighted in No2 hangar in Baldonnell in 2004; the precise date of the visit; the name of the pilots, crew and passengers; and the originating airport..”
While it was not possible to provide the requested information to you within the given timeframe, I am now in a position to provide information on this matter.
The military authorities have advised my Department that the Air Corps visiting aircraft log from 2004 indicates that the G-BSZC landed on 10 September 2004 at 0816hrs and took off again at 0927hrs. The origin airport or destination details have not been recorded by the Air Corps. The purpose of the movement is recorded as “visit”. The aircraft in question landed again at 0958hrs on the same day and appears to have remained at Casement Aerodrome until the 15 September 2004, when it is logged departing for Weston Airport at 1209hrs. My officials have been advised that the records do not contain passenger or crew details.
The aircraft in question landed in Baldonnel in connection with an event hosted by "The Beech Club" in September 2004. A Hold Harmless Agreement was entered into with regard to same; this Agreement has the effect of indemnifying the Minister in relation to any civilian aircraft landing.
I trust this is of assistance to you.
