The processes followed by my Department in relation to the award of island ferry contracts are in accordance with the relevant provisions of EU Directive 2004/18/EC on the co-ordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts and are also guided by:
Commission Interpretative Communication of 23 June 2006 on the Community law applicable to contract awards not or not fully subject to the provisions of the Public Procurement Directives;
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3577/92 applying to the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage); and
the Communication of 22 December 2003 from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the interpretation of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3577/92, as updated by COM (2006) of 11 May 2006.
My Department's processes have also been informed by legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General.