Thread: Govt paid out €5.23M for new jet amid concerns that Taoiseach & ministers would need to travel abroad at short notice because of Covid-19 or Brexit. "Commercial travel in current developing situation may be unavailable, unreliable, insecure or too risky to contemplate." 
Internal records reveal how government was given opportunity to purchase two jets from Pilatus. A senior civil servant said "normal procurement rules need to be relaxed" so that the Irish state could go ahead with buying or leasing the aircraft:
Business case explained that existing government Learjet was purchased in late 2003 and although expected to remain in service for a number of years requires maintenance in the UK or on the continent. (Incidentally, it's currently out for maintenance)
The State's other air capability, two maritime patrol vessels are over 25 years old. "I understand that these aircraft have the second/third highest hours utilisation in the world ..."
The Department had an order in for three new Pilatus aircraft. However, these had been delayed due to the pandemic. Further delays were "inevitable". They are now expected to be delivered later this year:
Pilatus had confirmed two new aircraft were available immediately. This would give greater capability to respond to HSE requets and also as back-up for the ministerial air transport service (MATS)
Secretary General of the Department of Defence was said to be "very comfortable with [purchase] of one but not necessarily convinced by rationale for two"
Five options had been put forward. Lease for a period of six months with option to extend on a rolling basis. Lease both and commit to purchase of one. Purchase just one of them. Lease the two aircraft and commit to buying both. Or buy both.
Indicative cost for the two aircraft was in the order of €8.6 million before VAT. When tax was included, that would have taken price over €10 million based on final price paid for the one that was bought:
View of the Air Corps was sought. Their commanding officer had said he believed their capability "needs to be supplemented" due to the likely demands arising from the Covid-19 pandemic:
New business case put forward this time for one aircraft. The estimated cost would be €5.36M. It was now "impossible to say" when three airplanes already on order would be delivered:
The decision to opt for one aircraft was based on available hangar space, pilot availability, and also issues around supply chains for maintenance. "Purchasing of one aircraft is a prudent approach."
Dept was able to bypass normal procurement rules based on EU regulations for "crisis situations". The business case said: "In a genuine emergency, there is a recognition that there is a need to be flexible in how a member state can procure the goods & services that are required."
Records obtained by @RightToKnowIE and published here in the public interest: documentcloud.org/documents/6997…
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In trying to make this tweet fit, I accidentally used incorrect description of aircraft. Apologies. Here it is for anyone who is interested in seeing what it looks like: flyinginireland.com/2020/04/air-co…
