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

With the permission of the Chairman, I will re-read the note, but I have put it on the record already. In 2014, external reports on health and safety and facilities management identified some areas where immediate remedial work was required. A carefully designed and sequenced 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 analogue communications room in the basement of the south block. The next project is a major upgrading of our electrical systems to ensure that 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.

Under-investment in general maintenance in recent years means that worn carpets, particularly on stairs, present a specific health and safety risk, and also a legal risk. The demand on the small number of meeting rooms has become inefficient, and work is planned to remodel the basement area in Nos. 7-9 Merrion Row as 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.