Vol. 524 No. 5
129 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence the circumstances in which the Government Gulfstream IV jet was damaged in a towing incident at Baldonnel, County Dublin; the extent of the damage; the anticipated cost of repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22973/00]
On Sunday 15 October 2000, while commencing towing operations in the hanger at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, the cab of an aircraft towing tractor came into contact with the port mainplane of the Gulfstream IV, causing damage to it. As a result the aircraft was grounded.
Following an inspection by a Gulfstream representative from the United Kingdom, it was decided that the leading edge would have to be replaced and as there was none in stock, a replacement was manufactured by Gulfstream in Savannah. This part is currently being replaced under the supervision of a specialist from Gulfstream and it is expected that this process will be completed by Thursday p.m., 26 October.
Until such time as the work is completed it is not possible to estimate the cost involved.
Question No. 130 taken with Question No. 128.
