Vol. 418 No. 1
88 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Defence the reason, in regard to the purchase of the Gulfstream Government jet, (1) offers of three aircraft companies who submitted tenders at a quarter of the cost of the Gulfstream were turned down, (2) the Dáil was not consulted before the purchase of this executive jet and (3) the Government Ministers cannot use scheduled air services to reach their destinations.
Following a tender competition held in July 1990 for an executive jet aircraft a total of 21 offers to supply various aircraft types was received. A technical and commercial evaluation of these aircraft was subsequently conducted by representatives of the Department of Defence, the Air Corps, the Department of Tourism and Transport and Aer Lingus.
It is not the practice to disclose details in regard to tenders received. It was necessary, however, for the assessors to take numerous factors such as the overall quality, cost, capacity, technical capability and functional characteristics of each specific aircraft type into consideration.
Having regard to the evaluation made and the requirements of the ministerial air transport service it was decided, on the basis of the most economical advantageous offer, to acquire the Gulfstream IV aircraft. This decision was in accordance with the recommendations of the assessors.
The Government had decided in June 1990 that an executive jet aircraft should be procured and provision was included in the Defence Estimate 1991 to cover the initial cost involved. The Defence Estimate was agreed to by Dáil Éireann on 12 July 1991. The aircraft is being acquired on the basis of a ten year lease arrangement, with an option to purchase.
A ministerial air transport service was first provided in 1979 for Ireland's Presidency of the European Community. Experience since has shown that it is essential to have a suitable aircraft available for the conveyance on official business of Ministers and senior officials which allows for flexibility of use over commercial airlines and for the saving of valuable time. It is also recognised that such a service ensures confidential communications and security and the ability to travel to destinations not regularly scheduled by commercial services.
