The current tender to provide air transfer
services to the Aran Islands is flawed and needs to be re-drawn and re-tendered.
That’s according to the Independent MEP Marian Harkin. The Government recently
re-advertised the tender to provide subsidised air services to the Aran
Islands. A previous tender was cancelled last September after complaints about
certain aspects of it. But now Marian Harkin says there are several issues of
concern with the new tender and that she’s going to take it up with the
European Commission.

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The Independent MEP Marian Harkin is calling for a re-drawing of the Aran Islands Air services tender. The Government recently re-advertised the tender to provide subsidised air servicesto the Aran Islands. A previous tender was cancelled last September after complaints about certain aspects of it. But now Marian Harkin, who represents the Midlands North-West constituency, says there are also some serious problems with the new tender. 

Dur: 00:40 

The
European Parliament today voted in favour of controversial EU rules that
will enable the authorities to gather more information about passengers flying
in and out of the EU. The PNR or Passenger Name Record Directive, will oblige airlines to hand over data on their passengers to the
relevant EU authorities when requested. Those who have supported the directive
say it will help fight terrorism and serious crime. However, those against it
argued it will breach people’s privacy and lead to unnecessary data retention.
The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly was one of the MEPs who voted for it.

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