Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:18. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence his plans to sell the Gulfstream IV aircraft. [25793/14]
View answerWednesday, 18 June 2014
Questions (18)
Written answers
The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The Gulfstream IV was acquired in December 1991 and to date has accumulated over 13,100 flying hours. The Service provides the Government and the President with an independent, flexible, and effective air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations. The Service helps Ministers to fulfil their duties, both at home and abroad, to the greatest extent possible and with maximum efficiency. This flexibility was particularly valuable during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union last year. In addition, the availability of the Service for special tasks in times of crisis ensures an independent means of transport on critical occasions which, for an island nation, is very important. In the past 12 months, the Gulfstream IV aircraft has undertaken 43 missions, including long haul flights to destinations such as the United States, the Middle East and Russia.
It is important to point out that both the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft also perform a range of non-MATS taskings, such as humanitarian and air ambulance missions. For example, during 2013, these aircraft were used on eight occasions to transport critically ill patients for life-saving treatment in hospitals in Ireland or the United Kingdom.
While the Gulfstream IV is now 23 years in service, there are no plans to sell the aircraft. However, given its age, the matter is kept under review having regard to its maintenance requirements and other considerations. Any decision to sell this aircraft will ultimately be a matter for Government.