Brendan Howlin
Question:16 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence if the Government proposes to purchase a second Government jet; and, if so, on what basis.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Executive Jet Aircraft Purchase.
Edward Nealon
Question:49 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Defence the position concerning the purchase of a new Government jet; and the role of his Department in this matter.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:51 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence if he is considering purchasing or acquiring additional aircraft for the Ministerial Air Transport Service operated by the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 49 and 51 together.
Tenders were invited by my Department through advertisement in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 17 July 1990 for the supply of an executive jet aircraft. The tenders received, which were due to return on 4 September 1990, are at present being evaluated. It is intended that the aircraft will be acquired by my Department as a replacement of the HS 125 executive jet aircraft which is currently operated by the Air Corps.
Will the Minister say whether the decision to be taken on the purchase of the particular aircraft will be taken solely by his Department arising out of the evaluation of the whole procedure and on the various types of aircraft available to his Department, and not by any other Department of State?
That is the way it is being done. Of course we have available to us the aviation advice of the Department of Transport as well as that of my Department, the latter being the deciding Department in this matter. That is why I am answering the question. The Deputy has that assurance.
Can the Minister indicate to the House in general terms the range and capacity of the aircraft for which tenders were sought. Can he also indicate whether it is intended to dispose of the existing Hawker Siddeley aircraft at present in use?
It is, yes.
Can the Minister indicate what will become of the Gulf Stream III aircraft used during our Presidency of the EC?
Government decisions on this matter are that the lease of the Gulf Stream III aircraft — to which the Deputy referred — has been extended pending purchase of the new aircraft. The Hawker Siddeley 125 aircraft is to be sold, and the acquisition and sale of the aircraft should be undertaken in accordance with Government, EC and GATT procurement proceedings. In accordance with that a notice appeared in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 17 July. The competition for the sale of the Hawker Siddeley was held simultaneously with that for the purchase of the new aircraft. A total of 42 sets of tender documents for both the purchase of the jet aircraft and the sale of the existing aircraft were issued. That is the position at the moment. It will be considered properly in accordance with the full criteria and proper impartiality and after very detailed examination of the tenders.
Would the Minister advise the House why it is necessary to replace the existing craft?
To replace the existing Hawker Siddeley?
Yes.
It was bought secondhand 11 or 12 years ago and it has outrun its usefulness. However, it is still saleable and this is the time to sell it.