Vol. 475 No. 5
118 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to make arrangements for the competition for the car testing franchise in line with his announcement of 9 November 1996; whether the tendering process will be open to foreign franchisees as well as Irish franchisees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5273/97]
I propose shortly to invite proposals from consultants who would advise and assist the Department in relation to the drawing-up and finalisation of tender documents, the evaluation of tender proposals and the drawing-up of appropriate legal/contractual arrangements for the appointment of a franchisee to operate the system of roadworthiness testing of private cars. The tender competition for the testing franchise will follow and will be open to companies, public sector entities or specially formed consortia (either Irish or foreign based, or a combination of both).
