The Minister for Defence, Michael Smith, has praised the Air Corps for its 'exceptional level of performance' during Ireland's EU Presidency.
Government ministers used the Air Corps' Ministerial Air Transport Service extensively to meet their presidency commitments.
There were 177 missions during the six-month period earlier this year, compared with 158 missions during the whole of 2003.
Mr Smith said the Air Corps had contributed greatly to the successful conduct of Ireland's presidency.
