Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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1674. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is satisfied with the decision to replace the existing service on the Aran Islands with a helicopter service; the statistics that were reviewed when making this decision; if the islanders were consulted regarding this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31340/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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My position from the outset has been to ensure a continued air service to the Aran Islands, with significant financial support from the Government, in line with EU rules in regard to Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services. On behalf of my Department, the Office of Government Procurement undertook a procurement process to enable my Department to agree a contract for the air service to the Aran Islands for the next 4 years from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2019. The process was undertaken in full compliance with EU Regulation 1008/2008 which governs PSO air services. The Request for Tenders was open to all types of aircraft as the EU Regulation does not define or limit the category of aircraft to be used to provide such services.

I have met with representatives of the Aran Islands on various occasions to listen to their concerns with regard to the air service.