Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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745. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will address matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); the actions she will take to address the deficiencies in the service involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26482/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, this relates to a procurement matter, which is still underway. This process is being undertaken in keeping with the standard approach taken for ferry services subsidised by my Department.

In general terms, as part of a Request for Tender (RFT) for any of the service subsidised by the Department, the minimum acceptable level of service is set out. The RFT does not limit the number of sailings that a potential operator can supply. Prospective operators are encouraged to include additional sailings and services above the stated minimum required, and commonly do so. Additional marks are awarded accordingly when tenders are being evaluated, making the frequency of sailings a key part of the contract.

Any comment on potential changes to the service would be pre-emptive given the fact that the tender process is still underway. My officials have contacted the correspondent to clarify their queries in respect of the approach taken by the Department when tendering for such services.