I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together. A Gulfstream III jet aircraft has been leased for a six month period up to 30 June, 1990 from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, USA to assist in transport duties during the Irish Presidency of the European Communities. The aircraft will be operated by the Air Corps during the period of the lease.
Air Corps pilots have undergone a ground school course and flight training provided by Flight Safety International, at Savannah, Georgia, USA specifically for the operation of the Gulfstream III aircraft.
It would be contrary to established practice and the conventions of commercial confidentiality to give details of the contract price for the lease of the aircraft. However the overall cost of operating the aircraft for the six months including training, fuel, insurance, registration of aircraft etc. will be approximately £1.3 million. No reimbursement of this cost is expected.
The decision to charter this aircraft for the duration of the European Presidency was taken on the grounds of efficiency and flexibility, having regard to the pace of work and travel necessitated by the pressures of international diplomacy. It would be impossible for Ministers and officials to meet the very demanding schedule of meetings with one aircraft only. Another aircraft of greater passenger capacity and operating range is without question essential in the light of the increasing role of the European Presidency in recent times.