Menu
15/04/2009
Government Travel Budget Goes Sky High
New figures have revealed Government ministers have spent more than €1.6m using Air Corps helicopters and aircraft since last October's Budget.
Figures released to RTÉ under the Freedom of Information Act show that 25 of the 83 journeys taken were to and from destinations on the island.
The Government's several fixed wing planes, including a Lear Jet, and two helicopters were used extensively by Government ministers, costing from €7,890 an hour for the Government jet to €1,590 for the smaller of the helicopters.
70 of the trips were taken using the Government jet and three other fixed-wing aircraft, the other 13 were in Air Corps helicopters.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin racked up the most air miles with 24 journeys, followed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen who made 16.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Mary Coughlan took 11 flights, as did Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith, while Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern took eight.
Minister Coughlan and Minister Martin each account for five of those flights, while Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and Minister Ahern both used the helicopter three times.
Minister for Health Mary Harney twice took the Learjet on domestic flights.
(DW/BMcC)
Figures released to RTÉ under the Freedom of Information Act show that 25 of the 83 journeys taken were to and from destinations on the island.
The Government's several fixed wing planes, including a Lear Jet, and two helicopters were used extensively by Government ministers, costing from €7,890 an hour for the Government jet to €1,590 for the smaller of the helicopters.
70 of the trips were taken using the Government jet and three other fixed-wing aircraft, the other 13 were in Air Corps helicopters.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin racked up the most air miles with 24 journeys, followed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen who made 16.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Mary Coughlan took 11 flights, as did Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith, while Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern took eight.
Minister Coughlan and Minister Martin each account for five of those flights, while Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and Minister Ahern both used the helicopter three times.
Minister for Health Mary Harney twice took the Learjet on domestic flights.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 June 2010
Council Shake-up Fails At Stormont
The Stormont Executive broke up last night without a deal on the future direction for Northern Ireland's councils. Northern Executive ministers adjourned a five-hour long meeting aimed at resolving the impasse over the future of local government.
Council Shake-up Fails At Stormont
The Stormont Executive broke up last night without a deal on the future direction for Northern Ireland's councils. Northern Executive ministers adjourned a five-hour long meeting aimed at resolving the impasse over the future of local government.
29 November 2019
New National LGBTQ+ Inclusion Strategy Launched
A new National Inclusion Strategy for Ireland's LGBTQ+ communities has been launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, and the Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton.
New National LGBTQ+ Inclusion Strategy Launched
A new National Inclusion Strategy for Ireland's LGBTQ+ communities has been launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, and the Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton.
04 July 2014
National Oversight And Audit Commission Established
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan has announced the establishment of the National oversight and Audit Commission, (NoAC), for the local government sector.
National Oversight And Audit Commission Established
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan has announced the establishment of the National oversight and Audit Commission, (NoAC), for the local government sector.
03 May 2011
Minister Commends Defence Forces For Fire Efforts
Minister for Justice Equality and Defence Alan Shatter has commended the Defence Forces for their contribution to the fire fighting efforts in the North West of the country. Forty-five troops have been in Falcarragh since first light assisting local fire-fighters in dealing with gorse fires in the area.
Minister Commends Defence Forces For Fire Efforts
Minister for Justice Equality and Defence Alan Shatter has commended the Defence Forces for their contribution to the fire fighting efforts in the North West of the country. Forty-five troops have been in Falcarragh since first light assisting local fire-fighters in dealing with gorse fires in the area.
08 May 2008
Relief For New Look Cabinet In Daíl
The new Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has spared the knives for the moment in his reshuffle of the cabinet. Many of the roles have stayed the same, despite major changes in the cabinet's high profile roles. Close friend of the Taoiseach, Mary Coughlan, has been given the role of Tánaiste and Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister.
Relief For New Look Cabinet In Daíl
The new Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has spared the knives for the moment in his reshuffle of the cabinet. Many of the roles have stayed the same, despite major changes in the cabinet's high profile roles. Close friend of the Taoiseach, Mary Coughlan, has been given the role of Tánaiste and Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
