Killeen defends use of Government jets by Cabinet colleagues

THE use of Government jets to fly ministers around the country like a “taxi service” has been defended as necessary to meet the demands of their hectic schedules.

Minister for Defence Tony Killeen admitted that there is “a considerable cost” to the taxpayer arising from 42 flights by the Learjet and the Gulfstream to transport ministers within Ireland since the start of 2009. But he said most ministers now travel by Aer Lingus or Ryanair.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey recently sparked outrage when he used a government jet to fly from Dublin to Derry, for a speaking engagement, and on to London, at a cost of €13,000.