Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the subsidy provided by his Department is solely for the islanders or if it includes companies (details supplied) carrying out work on the Aran Islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45417/09]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a company (details supplied) is only obliged to carry out modifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45418/09]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) is creating a monopoly by setting up another company using State assets. [45419/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 to 302, inclusive, together.

As stated previously by me in the House, the procurement of services for the islands referred to by the Deputy is carried out by my Department in accordance with relevant EU and national directives and guidelines, having regard in particular to the following specific obligations:

equal treatment of tenderers;

transparency in the tender procedure;

proportionality in decision;

mutual recognition of bidders from different Member States; and

non-discrimination.

As the selection process for each competition is by way of public tenders open to all competitors, the question of creating a monopoly through the provision of these services does not arise. As the exact nature of the monopoly to which the Deputy refers is not clear, I will be happy to investigate the matter further if the Deputy wishes to provide me with further details.

With regard to the modifications referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that the works required will be completed as soon as possible, having regard to ensuring that there is minimal disruption to service users. My Department will continue to seek completion of the works at the earliest possible date.

The subsidy provided to the company concerned is designed both to guarantee the provision of services which would not otherwise be economical to provide and to reduce costs for island communities.