Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:213 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence the year the Government jet was constructed; and the normal life for a jet of this type. [4326/03]
Written Answers. - Government Jet.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:214 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence if old age, high mileage and corrosion are the reasons for the proposed replacement of the Gulfstream V Government jet; and if not, the reasons therefor. [4327/03]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:215 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence the reason, if corrosion was present on the Government jet, it is still allowed to fly. [4328/03]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:216 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether a Gulfstream jet constructed 12 years ago would have reached old age. [4329/03]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:217 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence the person who advised the Government on the purchase or lease of a new Government jet; the new aircraft specified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4330/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 to 217, inclusive, together.
The Gulfstream IV was leased initially for a period of ten years from December 1991 to December 2001 for use as a ministerial air transport aircraft. The lease contained a purchase option which was exercised at the termination of the lease period. The ministerial air transport service is being reviewed at present in the light of this country's presidency of the European Union in 2004 and requirements in the longer term. The retention or disposal of the Gulfstream IV will be considered in the context of this review and a decision in this matter is expected shortly.
Since the aircraft was acquired in December 1991 it has flown a total of approximately 8,400 hours. The aircraft completes an annual maintenance inspection at a manufacturers approved maintenance facility. A 72 month maintenance inspection is scheduled to take place this summer. This is routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. I am informed by the Air Corps authorities that the Gulfstream IV is fully airworthy and that there is no corrosion present on the aircraft.