Tanaiste 'sorry' for using Air Corps plane
Tanaiste Mary Harney, has apologised for using an Air Corps surveillance plane, at the expense of the taxpayer, to fly to Sligo for a personal engagement last month.
Ms Harney commandeered the aircraft, with the approval of the Taoiseach, because she would have been late for the official opening of a friend’s off-licence in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim.
"I understand the concern that has been expressed and I’m sorry that I didn’t ask for the event to be postponed until after Christmas, when I could have used a different form of transport," she said today.
The European Commission has already announced plans to investigate the alleged misuse of the aircraft, which was part-funded by the EU on condition that it be used for fisheries surveillance purposes.
