Cowen says Harney's use of State jet not a matter for him

TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen said that questions on journeys made by the Government jet during a visit by Minister for Health Mary Harney to the United States, should be put to the Department of Defence. “My function is simply to approve the use of the service,’’ he said.

He was responding to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who said that the running cost of the jet was €7,100 an hour and sought clarification on what happened on Sunday, February 3rd, 2008.

The Fine Gael leader added: “On that date, the Minister and her husband had a private day, to which both were entitled.

“The Minister attended the Super Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, that evening and stayed in the city of Prescott, which is approximately 100 miles from Phoenix.

“For some inexplicable reason – perhaps there is a reason – the Government jet flew from Phoenix to Las Vegas, Nevada, and remained there overnight.

“We are informed that no one other than Air Corps personnel were on board at the time. On the following day, the jet flew back to Phoenix in order to collect the Minister and her party.

“I understand a case was put forward that this was due to meteorological conditions. Yet a map indicates that Tucson, Arizona, and San Diego, California, are closer than or as close to Las Vegas.’’

Mr Kenny asked Mr Cowen if he could explain why the jet flew from Phoenix to Las Vegas and stayed overnight if there were no personnel on board.

Mr Cowen said that he authorised the provision of the aircraft for use on ministerial visits.

“I do not deal with operational matters that occur when people get there,’’ he added.

“If the deputy has any questions on operational matters, a phone call to the Department of Defence will get him the answer rather than looking up the internet.’’

The Taoiseach said he had been elected to his current office on May 7th, 2008.

“Deputy Kenny referred to a flight that took place on February 3rd, 2008,’’ he added. “I had no involvement in the matter.’’