The Irish government has decided that it will not proceed with the purchase of a 40-seater jet to replace its existing Gulfstream IV. However, it has decided to approve the purchase of an eight-seater Learjet 45 as a replacement for its 23-year-old Beechcraft aircraft which has been serving in a ministerial air transport service role. The deal is subject to the negotiation of satisfactory arrangements with the vendor.

Said a spokesman for the government: “Detailed negotiations with the successful tenderer will commence immediately and it is expected that an aircraft will be operational before the end of the year. The actual purchase price will be determined in the course of

the negotiations, and will be funded from savings on the Defence Vote

for 2003.”

A Bombardier spokesman added: “We warmly welcome the Irish government’s decision to select the Learjet 45. This has been a

tough contest that has been conducted in a very thorough and competent manner by Irish government officials.”

With regard to the fact that the complete fuselage, which represents 50 per cent of the aircraft, is designed and manufactured in Belfast and supplied by companies in Ireland, the Bombardier spokesman added: “The aircraft provides an opportunity to promote Ireland’s technological expertise to the world, and purchase by the Irish government would also represent an excellent sample of north-south trade.”

There are more than 200 Learjets in service with governments and corporations wolrdwide.