Government to get new €8m jet
December 17, 2003
(15:25) The Minister for Defence has said that a new, eight-seat Learjet 45 is due to join the Ministerial Air Transport Fleet later this week.
Michael Smith told young officers at a commissioning ceremony at Baldonnel that contrary to media reports, the jet is not a luxury item but rather an essential tool for the upcoming EU Presidency.
He said that at a net cost of €8 million the aircraft is excellent value for money and, as it was funded from savings made from within the Defence Department's budget, it is not costing the Irish taxpayer an extra penny.
Mr Smith said that for the next six months, Ministers, Ministers of State and their officials will be obliged to attend literally hundreds of meetings across Europe, while at the same time, trying to manage their Departments and deliver for Ireland.
He said they will have responsibility for the political management and well being of over 380 million people.
The Minister said that through its involvement in the flying and maintenance of the Government's Air Transport Service, the Air Corps will be playing an essential and crucial role in Ireland's EU Presidency.
December 17, 2003
(15:25) The Minister for Defence has said that a new, eight-seat Learjet 45 is due to join the Ministerial Air Transport Fleet later this week.
Michael Smith told young officers at a commissioning ceremony at Baldonnel that contrary to media reports, the jet is not a luxury item but rather an essential tool for the upcoming EU Presidency.
He said that at a net cost of €8 million the aircraft is excellent value for money and, as it was funded from savings made from within the Defence Department's budget, it is not costing the Irish taxpayer an extra penny.
Mr Smith said that for the next six months, Ministers, Ministers of State and their officials will be obliged to attend literally hundreds of meetings across Europe, while at the same time, trying to manage their Departments and deliver for Ireland.
He said they will have responsibility for the political management and well being of over 380 million people.
The Minister said that through its involvement in the flying and maintenance of the Government's Air Transport Service, the Air Corps will be playing an essential and crucial role in Ireland's EU Presidency.
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