Vol. 530 No. 4
38 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to acquire a new Government jet for the Defence Forces; the likely cost of the purchase; the process which will be used to acquire the aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4015/01]
The ministerial air transport service is currently operated by the Air Corps using the Gulfstream IV execu tive jet as the principal aircraft backed up by the Beechcraft King Air turboprop aircraft. The G IV was acquired in 1991. The Beechcraft provides only a limited MATS operation and it is also used for pilot training. Effectively it operates nationally, to the UK and, to a minor extent, to Europe.
The issue of the replacement of the G IV Jet is under active consideration at present. The consideration is in the context of the increased level of business for Ministers and officials to Europe and further afield. The business of the European Union itself has grown by an unprecedented degree over the last decade both in the size of its market and in the depth and range of its activities. These changes have increased significantly the travel requirements of Ministers and officials.
There is an ongoing requirement for the Government to maintain a very active involvement both bilaterally and through the EU and multilateral bodies like the United Nations, in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas to build Ireland's political and economic relations with countries from these regions. This requirement also involves substantial air travel by Ministers.
The ministerial air transport service has been a major asset for successive Governments. The service has proved to be extremely flexible to meet the changing timetables of Ministers. In this regard I acknowledge the major role played by the Air Corps in operating the service effectively over the years. It is important that any action required to maintain the high standards set for the operation of the ministerial air transport service is taken. In that regard, all options which could improve the service available to the Government are being examined. No decisions have been made as yet but I expect to be in a position to bring a memorandum to Government within the next two months on the matter.
