Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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38. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of engagement and communication to date that has taken place between his Department and officials from the European Union regarding the necessary State support for the air service between Galway and the Aran Islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10729/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in pursuance of Article 16 of Regulation (EEC) No 1008/2008 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, Ireland has imposed a public service obligation (PSO) in respect of a scheduled air service operated between Galway or Na Mine and the Aran Islands. My Department has agreed a contract with an operator for the provision of the air service referred to for the period from 1 October 2013 to 30 September 2014, with an option for the extension of a further year up until 30 September 2015. This contract was advertised in the Official Journal of the EU in the required manner. The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has engaged consultants to conduct a review of the service, the findings of which will be presented to the European Commission in due course.