Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The spend was €347,000 in 2014 compared to an allocation of €649,000. The underspend was largely driven by a delay in progressing areas premises projects as tendering and procurement processes were required.

We have sought an allocation of €1.389 million for 2015. This reflects the expected costs of a number of remedial and health and safety works required in the Merrion Street complex in 2015. In 2014 external reports on health and safety and facilities management identifying some areas where immediate remedial work was required. A carefully-designed sequence programme of projects has been planned to address the issues raised. A major upgrading of the Government Buildings complex began in late 2014, with the move from an analogue to a digital telephone system. This project will be completed shortly with decommissioning of the analog communications room in the basement of the south block. The next project is a major upgrading of our electrical systems so we comply with business requirements and health and safety standards. This will be followed by plastering and painting to bring the accommodation to an acceptable standard. Walls have been significantly damaged by the recent work.

Underinvestment in general maintenance in recent years means worn carpets, particularly on stairs, present a specific health and safety risk. The demand on the small number of meeting rooms has become an efficient and work is planned to remodel the basement area in Nos. 7-9 Merrion Row into a suite of meeting rooms which will be used by the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. The last two projects will absorb a significant part of the additional budget. Additional accommodation and equipment has been provided in 2015 for the team working on the Oireachtas Banking Inquiry.