Joan Burton
Question:73 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence the plans for the Gulfstream IV jet when the new aircraft for the ministerial air transport service are acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8919/03]
Written Answers - Ministerial Air Transport Service.
The Government has decided to replace the Gulfstream IV and the Beechcraft King Air in the ministerial air transport role. The decision was 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. This work is nearing completion and it is expected that the requisite notices in relation to the tender competitions will issue to the Official Journal of the European Communities later this week.
In tandem with proposals for the supply of the aircraft, tenderers may also outline offers for the Gulfstream IV aircraft as at the proposed date of hand-over of the tendered aircraft or in mid-July 2004, following the EU Presidency. Offers for the Beechcraft King Air will also be considered in tandem with proposals for its replacement.