Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
151. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on plans to purchase a new Government jet; if same will be tendered; and if so, when that tender will be advertised. [35602/23]
View answerIn January 2023, following a review of extensive Public Spending Code work carried out on behalf of the Interdepartmental Ministerial Air Transport Service Review Group, I instructed my officials to move the MATS project to procurement stage, considering both new and second-hand replacement capability, which can also provide a broader utility role, including strategic reach in crisis situations and medical evacuation.
Given the unknown delivery timeframes associated with aircraft procurements, and concerns around Learjet availability, I also instructed officials to go to the market for a contingency arrangement by way of charter aircraft, to limit the risk of a gap in the availability of a Ministerial Air Transport Service when required.
To that end a civil/military team has been established to progress both procurement projects. The team are currently working on developing the aircraft specification and are progressing work to identify the most appropriate procurement strategy for the replacement aircraft. The procurement strategy will set out the appropriate mechanism for the procurement, in line with the relevant legal framework.
In parallel, a Request for Tender for the establishment of a Framework Agreement as a Contingency Arrangement for MATS was published in April this year. That procurement process is ongoing and will be concluded shortly.
