John V. Farrelly
Ceist:107 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the cost of employing a pilot from the United States to fly the Government jet due to the shortage of qualified Air Corps pilots. [4891/99]
Written Answers. - Government Jet.
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:194 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the cost of employing a pilot from the United States to fly the Government jet due to the shortage of qualified Air Corps pilots. [4934/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 194 together.
Under a contract placed in September 1998 with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation the services of a pilot were engaged for the period 1 September 1998 to 31 March 1999. The cost involved is approximately £100,000 exclusive of VAT and travel-accommodation expenses. This pilot is responsible for the instruction and rating of Air Corps pilots together with operational flying of the Gulfstream IV aircraft as necessary.