Brian O'Shea
Ceist:178 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to purchase further aircraft for use by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7728/03]
Written Answers - Government Aircraft.
The Government have decided to replace the Gulfstream IV with a jet aircraft and to replace the Beechcraft King Air with a short haul jet of seven to nine seat capacity. These aircraft are necessary to meet the ever increasing demands of Government business, not least in the context of a significantly enlarged European Union.
The tender process for the acquisition of the aircraft is now in train with the preparation of tender documentation in my Department.