I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Government decided last October that, as part of our preparations for the Presidency, the Minister for Tourism and Transport should arrange for the leasing of an additional jet aircraft for the six months of the Irish Presidency of the European Community, subject to the Minister being satisfied that the aircraft could be properly serviced and maintained. It was subsequently agreed after an assessment of the situation by the Minister for Tourism and Transport that a joint committee, representing the Departments of Tourism and Transport and Defence at senior level, should be formed to progress matters. That committee drafted the specification for the aircraft and assessed tenders which, in accordance with normal practice in the procurement of aircraft for the Air Corps, were sought by the Department of Defence. Specific financial provision for the costs was made in the Defence Estimate for 1990.
The Department of Tourism and Transport played the major role in arranging for the aircraft. This included obtaining initial quotations on the cost range of aircraft available which would meet the Government's requirements. That Department's advice also covered the technical specification, evaluation and acceptance of the aircraft and the leasing arrangements, as well as consultations with a number of persons and organisations with knowledge of executive travel.
The role of the Department of Defence in effecting the contractual arrangements was clearly implied in my statement to the Dáil on 30 January that the Air Corps would operate the aircraft, while the Department of Tourism and Transport's involvement arises from their responsibility and expertise in civil aviation matters.
As I said in the Dáil on 30 January, it would be contrary to the well-established practice and the conventions of commercial confidentiality to give a breakdown of the contract price. I gave the Dáil then the overall cost of operating the aircraft for the six months of the Presidency. The Minister for Tourism and Transport has already indicated publicly that no payments by way of commission or fee or any such charge were made to any person or company from public funds in connection with the aircraft.