asked the Minister for Defence how many executive jets he intends to purchase and the cost.

14.

asked the Minister for Defence the type and cost of the executive jets which the Government propose to acquire, the arrangements for operating the aircraft and to whom, and for what purposes, they will be made available.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.

As indicated in a press release on 23 March 1979, the Government have decided that the Air Corps should be provided with one twin-engined jet transport aircraft. A contract for the purchase of one Hawker Siddeley 125 Series 700B aircraft has been concluded with British Aerospace. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in December 1979. Pending delivery of the new aircraft, a Hawker Siddeley 125 Series 600 aircraft has been leased from British Aerospace and is due to be handed over to the Air Corps later this month.

It is not the practice to disclose contract details.

The aircraft will be operated by the Air Corps on such duties as pilot training, search and rescue, air ambulance and, as necessary, the transport of Government Ministers and officials especially to European Community meetings in Europe.

Have the Government decided to buy only one jet or are they considering a further proposal to buy a second one for this purpose?

No. The Government have decided that the Air Corps should be provided with one twin-engined jet transport aircraft.

Were tenders sought for the purchase of this jet?

Yes.

How many tenders were received?

I was not asked that question by the Deputies concerned but if the Deputy wishes that information I can get it for him.

How many passenger seats are there in the aircraft?

Approximately eight.

I asked the Minister to tell the House the cost of the jet but he did not tell me.

I informed the Deputy that it was not the practice to disclose the contract details.

Surely the House is entitled to know the exact cost.

It is long-established practice not to disclose such details.

We should know the amount of money that is being spent on a jet aircraft.

The cost of the aircraft will be included in the Estimates for the Minister's Department.

The Minister has given an answer.

He has not.

I am adhering to long-established practice.

Did it cost £2 million or £5 million?