Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is allowing the change over of ownership of vessels that are contracted to his Department to provide a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41445/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the provisions of its contract with my Department, the company referred to by the Deputy cannot sell or otherwise dispose of its interest in the vessels referred to by the Deputy without my prior written consent. Earlier this year, the ownership of the vessels concerned was transferred to another company. As both companies are under the control of the same directors, this arrangement does not present a difficulty to my Department.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way he distinguishes between the amount of fuel used by vessels contracted by his Department to provide a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41446/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has agreed a fixed price of €27,000 per annum with the first-named company referred to by the Deputy to provide 20 sailings annually using the vessel referred to by the Deputy. The company has also agreed to provide any additional sailings required, subject to my prior consent, at a cost of €1,200 each. The issue of fuel usage or cost does not arise, therefore, in the case of sailings provided using this vessel. A Fuel Price Variation Clause applies in the case of sailings provided by the other main vessel that is contracted to provide the service in this case. In order to evaluate the company's entitlements under this Clause, my Department obtains independently certified documentation from the company's accountants on fuel prices and usage associated with those sailings.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when modifications (details supplied) will be carried out; the details of the modifications that were required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41447/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the contract between my Department and the operator concerned, the operator is obliged to install a new crane and pallet hoist on the vessel referred to by the Deputy. It was originally envisaged that these works would be carried out earlier this year. I am advised that the necessary preparatory work on the vessel has been carried out, and that the crane and pallet hoist have been purchased by the operator. However, the installation has not been completed thus far, as the operator is anxious to ensure that there is minimal disruption of the service to users. My Department will continue to seek completion of the installation at the earliest possible date.