I propose, with the concurrence of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions No. 26 and No. 27 together.
Three Boeing Jet aircraft were purchased by Aerlínte and were delivered between October, 1960, and April, 1961. The cost delivered, engines installed and fully furnished was £1.4 million each or £4.2 million in all. The provision of spares and ancillary equipment in connection with the aircraft brings that expenditure to approximately £6 million. This sum was provided by way of investment by the Minister for Finance in Aer Rianta. The latter company in turn took up for cash an equivalent investment in Aerlínte. No question of repayment of the capital arises but the aircraft are being depreciated over ten years which is the estimated life. No provision has so far been included in the accounts of Aerlínte to cover remuneration of the capital but I am hopeful that provision for such remuneration can be made when the service is fully established. Depreciation included in the accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1961, amounted to £53,000 and depreciation in the year ending 31st March, 1962, is estimated at £400,000.
