Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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254. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the current tender for Irish Coast Guard aviation services, rotary and fixed wing and in particular the location for these services during the next tender period; if the current four search and rescue bases are being maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1816/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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On 27 July 2021, the Government agreed to commence the formal procurement process for a new Coast Guard aviation service.  The decision was based on a detailed appraisal and business case prepared in accordance with the Public Spending Code.  The procurement process is being undertaken in line with the Government Decision of 27 July 2021 and with EU procurement law, most notably European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulation 2019 (Statutory Instrument No. 284/2016.)

On 20^thDecember 2021, the first stage of the process commenced, with the release on eTenders of a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) and Response document for candidates to complete.

The PQQ sets out certain criteria to determine which Operators have the capacity to perform the contract.  

It would not be appropriate to speculate on the detailed specifications of the tender, or on the outcome of the process, at this stage.