The Government and its spin- doctors seem to be generating a huge campaign to "condition" the public into believing that a new Government jet is needed to fulfil its international duties, according to Fine Gael.
The party's defence spokesman, Mr Dinny McGinley referred to reports of costs of up to €100 million for a new jet and said that in "these difficult economic times, a plane the size of a bungalow with facilities such as a modern kitchen and bathroom, a queen-size bed and a lounge as big as Fagan's in Dundrum would be overdoing it".
He believed that with proper refurbishment, "the Government jet could last for another four, five or 10 years, given that the Minister has admitted that 8,000 hours is comparatively low when we consider some of our national fleet has completed over 40,000 hours". It was "hardly run-in" time and for a jet was "relatively new and fresh".
The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, said the Government "is not in the business of extravagance". A decision would be made "shortly" as to whether the current Gulfstream IV jet would be retained or disposed of.
The Government needed reliable transport for its international obligations given Ireland's presidency of the EU next year and the expansion of the EU. The existing jet was bought two years ago when the lease finished, but on a number of high- profile occasions there had been problems which were "extremely embarrassing for the Taoiseach".
The public were best represented by "having efficient, quick transport to carry out the national and international business of the Government".
He pointed out that, "we are practical, pragmatic people. We know the limits of the resources available and we will match that to meeting our needs as best we possibly can."
