Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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120. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way his departmental contracts for taxi companies for the purposes of taxis for the use of departmental staff are decided and allocated; if there is a public tender process for taxi companies wishing to apply for these contracts; the process for allocating the contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4640/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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My Department has in place a contract for the provision of taxi services at discounted, competitive rates. The provision of service is scheduled to be reviewed again in 2014 in line with public procurement guidelines. In that regard, it is intended to avail of central arrangements for transport services planned by the Office of Government Procurement following its establishment. My Department also makes available a number of bicycles for business use by officials at its two Dublin locations. As a result of this voluntary initiative, and under current taxi contract arrangements, the cost of taxi use has been reduced by 46 % from almost €28,000 in 2008 to €15,000 in both 2011 and 2012. Expenditure last year was some €19,000 due mainly to additional requirements in servicing the EU Presidency.