Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the contract for the Sherkin Ferry which expired on 31 October 2007 was postponed for a year. [31171/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 355 of 31 October 2007, the existing contract for the provision of a passenger ferry service between Sherkin Island and the mainland was due to expire on 31 October 2007.

A decision was taken, however, to extend this contract for a further month to 30 November 2007 in order to provide time for my officials to complete their discussions with the operating company, Carbery Isle Ferries Ltd, regarding an extension of its contract for a period of up to one year.

The decision to open these discussions was taken with a view to securing administrative efficiencies and in the context of the limited number of service providers available in this sector. It should be noted that only one tender was received in response to the previous tender competition for this particular service and that, at a recent meeting of the Service Monitoring Committee, Sherkin Island representatives expressed satisfaction with the standard of service provided.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 420: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the annual subsidy payable for the transport of cargo to and from islands (details supplied). [31172/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not pay cargo subsidies in respect of the islands numbered 2, 3, and 4 in the details supplied by the Deputy.

With reference to island number 1, my Department currently has a five year contract in place with a private operator for the carriage of both passengers and cargo. The annual cost of this contract, which commenced on 1 March 2007, is as follows:

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of difficulties and inconsistencies which have arisen in the award of public service contracts for ferries and cargo to and from offshore islands, he will have an independent review of the process whereby those contracts are awarded. [31173/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not accept the Deputy's assertion that there have been difficulties and inconsistencies in the award of island passenger and cargo ferry contracts.

Contracts for island transport services are awarded by my Department following rigorous evaluation by my officials of tenders received, in accordance with relevant national and European Union procurement guidelines and in consultation, where necessary, with independent procurement consultants and the Office of the Attorney General.