Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated before, when the Gulfstream jet was presented for its due service last summer, many extra problems arose. The closer the aeroplane was looked at, the more issues that emerged with it such as corrosion on the undercarriage. I made the decision then that we were not going to spend any more money on it in trying to make it fit for purpose. Given the budgetary position the country was facing and the Government had to manage in the past four years, we had to ensure we were not spending money on an aeroplane that was really at the end of its life. Accordingly, we stopped spending money. We have since gone through a process of selling the aeroplane to get as much of a return as we can on it. I cannot give the Deputy figures as matters are still being finalised. However, the sales process is under way. An interdepartmental high level working group of officials, chaired by the Department of Defence, is reviewing the medium and long-term options for the future provision of the service provided by the Government jet. I will report to the Government on the group’s recommendations once they are finalised.

The Government is operating with one smaller, shorter range Learjet. I do not expect this to change at any time soon. I would prefer to outline my recommendations to the Cabinet before I announce anything at the committee. I do not anticipate that the Government will be buying a new jet any time soon.