543 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12413/08]

My Department has not used a helicopter, other than Air Corps Helicopters, in the period under consideration. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Defence, will be supplying details of the Air Corps Helicopter service used in respect of all Government Departments.