Aircraft costs and private-sector funding
Cullen questioned the apparent price difference between the aircraft orders and asked whether the review group would consider private-sector funding. The Minister said he would consider its advice and clarified that the 737-500 is smaller than the 737-300.
I want to congratulate Aer Lingus on the arrival of the St. Laurence O'Toole. It is very important in the interests of Irish tourism that their fleet is being rejuvenated. I want to ask the Minister two questions.
The Minister said that the first two aircraft, the one that has arrived and the one that is due to arrive at the end of next month, cost $72 million and that the four bigger planes due to arrive will cost $105 million. There seems to be a great difference between those two figures and I would like the Minister to explain how two planes are costing $72 million when we can get four for $105 million. Maybe I misunderstood the Minister.
Comment on this
Do the review group who are to report back to the Minister as to how the fleet should be replaced recommend seeking funds from the private sector? Do the group encompass those terms of reference?