Air Corps

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Ceisteanna (66)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

66. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Question No. 219 of 6 May 2026, to elaborate on the difference between “Air Corps” and “Air Corps Government jet” in his response; to clarify whether “Air Corps” is a reference to the previous Government jet or to other Air Corps aircraft; the reason the “Air Corps” or “Air Corps Government” jet appears to have become the standard mode of transport from December 2025 onwards, with only one commercial flight since that point; and the estimated cost to the Exchequer of each trip listed. [38057/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance (Deputy Simon Harris)

Reference to the 'Air Corps' in my previous answer relates to the use of the PC12 aircraft. The reference to 'Government Jet' in my previous answer relates to the Falcon 6X, which became operational in March 2026.

The decision to choose the Ministerial Air Transport Services is on a case-by-case basis and is usually decided by the flexibility it offers, particularly for EU meetings where departure times can be altered at short notice.

Information in relation to the costs for the Ministerial Air Transport Services is publicly available on the Department of Defence website: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/#ministerial-air-transport-service-mats

Costs for the Falcon 6X are not yet available as flight costs are in general calculated based on two years of flight data.