Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 211: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the arrangements and management for the operation of the farmers' market at the East Pier, Howth, Dublin; if a tendering process took place when the farmers' market was originally established; if a tendering process was held for the operation of the market in 2009; if not, the reason for same; and if a tendering process will be held for the operation of this facility from 1 January 2010. [10533/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Farmers' Market at Howth Fishery Harbour Centres is operated and managed by an independent market operator licensed by my Department. A licence for an initial period of six months was issued in 2005 and a further licence for a three year period to 31 December 2008 was issued in 2006. The award of the licence was not subjected to the tender process. When the licence expired the licensee was legally entitled to the option to renew the licence and chose to exercise that option. As a result the licence was renewed for a further term of one year and the issue of the licence being put to tender did not arise. The position with regard to 2010 is under review and no decision has yet been made with regard to the issue of a licence.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 212: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the complaints made by traders who have been excluded from the Howth farmers' market regarding the management and operation of the market and allegations that this exclusion has resulted directly from an expression of interest in a tender for the operation of Howth farmers' market for 2009. [10534/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The operation and management of the Farmers' Market at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is the responsibility of Mr Seán McArdle the current licence holder. Decisions with regard to the allocation of stalls at the Farmers' Market are made by the licence holder. The holder of the licence to operate the Farmers' Market has the discretion to run the market as he/she deems appropriate and it is not appropriate for my Department to intervene in any disputes between the licensee and stallholders. My Department's legal and contractual relationship is with the licensee and not the stallholders.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 213: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will investigate a complaint by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding the failure by his Department to hold a tendering competition for the operation of Howth farmers' market in 2009 with the alleged resulting unjust exclusion of that person from trading at Howth farmers market. [10535/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The licence to operate the Farmers' Market at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre expired on 31 December 2008. The licensee was legally entitled to the option to renew the licence and chose to exercise that option. As a result the licence was renewed for a further term of one year and the issue of the licence being put to tender did not arise. The current licence holder is responsible for the operation and management of the Farmers' Market at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre. Decisions with regard to the allocation of stalls at the Farmers' Market are solely the responsibility of the licence holder.