Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his helpful question. The ministerial air transport service, MATS, is delivered primarily by use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA and-or other Air Corps aircraft may be used. The Learjet is currently approaching its natural end of life. Based on current serviceability issues, discontinuation of manufacturer support and limited part availability for this type of older aircraft, the Air Corps estimates that the aircraft will require replacement by 2024 at the latest. As such, in line with the public spending code, an interdepartmental high-level group of officials, the MATS review group, chaired by my Department, was established in 2021 to examine options for delivery of the ministerial air transport service. The capability of this service to carry out a broader utility role for the State, in terms of tasks and reach beyond Europe, was also examined. In situations like what happened in Afghanistan last year, there is a need for the State to have strategic reach.

During 2022, the MATS review group produced both an agreed strategic assessment report and a preliminary business case, the latter of which contained a detailed financial appraisal and economic assessment conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. These reports were supplemented by the inclusion of additional market research on suitable options for the acquisition of a second-hand aircraft, with the assistance of an independent aviation consultant. I have reviewed the various strands of work conducted to date and have approved the recommendation made by my officials. Ultimately, the State needs a replacement aircraft that provides a broad utility role, including strategic reach in crisis situations and medical evacuation, as well as ministerial air transport. My officials will now move to progress to procurement phase. A project team is currently being established and planning for a procurement competition for replacement capability will commence shortly. The procurement will consider both new and second-hand replacement capability. The outcome of any procurement competition will be subject to further deliberation and consideration in line with the public spending code.

See this speech in context