I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 140 and 150 together.
The Gulfstream IV aircraft was leased for a period of ten years from December 1991 to December 2001 for use as a ministerial air transport aircraft. It was purchased in December 2001 on termination of the lease.
Owing to this country's assumption of the Presidency of the European Union in January 2004 and the proposed enlargement of the European Union in general, it is anticipated that demands on the ministerial air transport service will increase. The service is therefore being reviewed at present with a view to establishing the Government's needs during this country's Presidency of the European Union and its requirements in the longer term. The question of the retention or disposal of the Gulfstream IV together with the lease of a ten to 12 seater executive jet aircraft will be considered in the context of this review and a decision in the matter is expected shortly.
Since the Gulfstream IV aircraft was acquired in December 1991, it has flown a total of approximately 8,400 hours. The jet has broken down three times in the past 12 months as follows: 15 December 2002 at Baldonnel; 17 January 2003 in Mexico and 30 January 2003 at Baldonnel. The aircraft completes an annual maintenance inspection at a manufacturers approved maintenance facility. A 72-month maintenance inspection is scheduled to take place this summer. This is routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. The aircraft is currently fully airworthy.