Ruairí Quinn
Question:43 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding replacement of the Gulfstream IV jet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30656/01]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Air Transport Service.
Michael Creed
Question:66 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to replace the Government jet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30592/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 66 together.
The ministerial air transport service is currently operated by the Air Corps using the Gulfstream IV executive jet, acquired in 1991, as the principal aircraft. The service is based in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
The aircraft resources required to provide a ministerial air transport service commensurate with current and projected requirements were considered earlier this year following which the Government decided that the Gulfstream IV will be retained in service and not replaced.