Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:22 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence if a proposal is being considered by the Government to purchase the Gulf Stream III jet, currently on hire; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Jet.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:30 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence, if press reports that the Government intend purchasing the long-range jet currently on lease at a cost of £1.5 million for six months are correct; and if so, the reason this is necessary.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 30 together.
A Gulfstream III jet aircraft has been leased for a six month period ending 30 June 1990 at an estimated overall cost of £1.3 million. A proposal to purchase the aircraft is not under consideration.
While it is not under consideration currently, was it considered at any stage, either prior to lease or subsequent to lease, that the aircraft might be held on to?
No.
In the event of the aircraft being purchased, would any commissioning or procuring fees be due to any peson?
I am not aware of any aspect of the matter to which the Deputy refers.
While the purchase of this aircraft may not be considered by the Minister's Department, is he aware that it might be under consideration by the Minister for Transport and Tourism and by the Taoiseach's Department?
No.
That is a separate matter. The Minister is responsible for his own departmental affairs.
He has told us it is not under consideration anywhere. We will wait with interest.