Alan Shatter
Question:94 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date concerning the acquisition of a new Government jet; the plans he has to arrange for a tendering process; and the estimated cost involved. [13854/01]
Written Answers - Government Jet.
Derek McDowell
Question:101 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding consideration by the Government of a replacement for the Gulfstream IV jet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13791/01]
Alan Shatter
Question:190 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the way in which his Department proposes to finance the purchase of the new Govern ment jet; the amount that he has budgeted for this purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13985/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 101, and 190 together.
The ministerial air transport service – MATS – is currently operated by the Air Corps using the Gulfstream IV executive jet, acquired in 1991, as the principal aircraft backed up by the Beechcraft King Air turboprop aircraft. 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 aircraft resources required to provide a ministerial air transport service commensurate with current and projected requirements is under consideration. This 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 so as 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 would like to acknowledge the major role played by the Air Corps in operating the service so 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 bring a memorandum to Government on the matter.