Ciarán Cuffe
Question:175 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the cost of purchasing more Government jets. [11841/03]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Transport.
The Government has decided to replace the Gulfstream IV and the Beechcraft King Air in the ministerial air transport role. The decision was necessary to meet the ever-increasing demands of Government business, not least in the context of a significantly enlarged European Union. The tender competitions for the acquisition of the aircraft are now in train. The closing date for the receipt of tenders for both competitions is 30 May 2003.
The tender competitions allow for the submission of both new and pre-owned aircraft. All options, such as outright purchase, lease, lease purchase or other alternatives, will be considered. The highly competitive nature of the aviation market at present should result in competitive packages being offered. In tandem with proposals for the supply of the aircraft, tenderers may also outline offers for the Gulfstream IV aircraft as at the proposed date of hand-over of the tendered aircraft or in mid-July 2004, following the EU Presidency. Offers for the Beechcraft King Air will also be considered in tandem with proposals for its replacement.
The acquisition of the aircraft will be the subject of detailed cost benefit analysis, including value for money and comparison with costs associated with alternative arrangements. The responses to the tender process will determine the most advantageous system of payment. The actual cost of the acquisition of the aircraft can only be defined after the tender competition, particularly in view of the fact that pre-owned aircraft are a consideration.