John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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346. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the last time a tender was sought through the Garda tender system for towing and management services; the number of those that participated in the process; the timeframe for such a tender process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40412/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is, in accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote.

In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the most recent tender for towing management was published in the Official Journal of the EU via e-Tenders on 29 November, 2013. The Request for Tender was in respect of three Divisions in Cork County with a closing date of 14 January, 2014. The Divisions concerned were, Cork City, Cork North and Cork West.

Two bids where received in respect of Cork City. One bid in respect of Cork North and one bid in respect of Cork West. The bid received in respect of Cork North did not meet Garda requirements and a new procurement exercise in relation to that Division is under way.

Following the conclusion of the tender evaluation process for Cork City and Cork West, contracts were signed by An Garda Síochána with the Preferred Bidders with a 1 October 2014 commencement date.