The coalition have insisted that a new Government jet can land, despite reports that the new aircraft may struggle to land in the foggy conditions, due to it being ordered without key navigation from an Israeli firm.
This comes after the Government had adopted had adopted a policy of not awarding Israel companies defence contracts following on advice from the International Court of Justice against Israel settlements in the West Bank in 2024.
According to reports in the Journal.ie, the aircraft was purchased from a French firm without a FalconEye system, which usually sits on the plane's nose, helping it to land in foggy weather, or other conditions which limit visibility, as it was produced by an Israeli manufacturer.
The aircraft purchased by the Government was worth a reported €53 million, according to the Journal.ie.
Further calls for clarity were made, on whether this aircraft featured key navigation equipment from an Israeli firm which seemingly allowed it to complete its landings amid foggy conditions, or if visibility is limited.
Speaking about this, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has said that he has sought clarity on this matter from the Department of Defence, and has insisted that there are no issues with the aircraft.
"The Department of Defence have informed me that there are no limitations on the aircraft's operational capability and it can conduct its full range of missions. That's what they've stated in the context of the aircraft that has been procured. Full operational capability is their clear position on that", he said at the launch of a new National Procurement Policy in Government Buildings.
This new jet was fitted out with cream coloured style seating on the inside, cabin tables and sofa style seating, as well as polished wood panelling. It also has high end cabin, like a galley area, fold out tables, individual passenger seats, divan style sofa, and private washroom facilities.
Initial reports of its capability had attracted international headlines, including in Britain and Israel. It was eventually completed at a Dassault Aviation facility in the US last year.
It is primarily used to transport the Taoiseach and other senior Government ministers. The Falcon 6X aircraft is operated by the Air Corp.
Elsewhere, the Department of Defence also released this statement.
"Further to recent media reports concerning the absence of an optional enhanced vision system on the Air Corp's Dassault Falcon 6X, the Department of Defence can confirm that there are no limitations on the aircraft's operational capability and it remains capable of carrying out its full range of intended missions.
"The Dassault Falcon 6X is a next-generation strategic reach aircraft that significantly enhances the State's transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities.
"With a range of more than 5,000 nautical miles, it is capable of flying non-stop to the west coast of the US and can carry up to 14 passengers (compared to the seven passengers that its predecessor carried).
"The aircraft provides the State with an independent, flexible and resilient air transport capability that is increasingly important in supporting Ireland's national and international responsibilities.
"It will also undertake a wide range of missions, including the evacuation of Irish citizens, air ambulance transfers, the medical evacuation or repatriation of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas, and logistical support for overseas deployments", they added. "For operational reasons, we have no further comment to make on the aircraft's specifications". (All quotes according to RTÉ).
