James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair. He will be aware the new Forensic Science Ireland, FSI, laboratory is a €99.5 million project comprising just over €90 million in capital with a contingency fund attached to it. It is something we should welcome. When it is established, it will be important for our justice system. The OPW has responsibility for delivering that project.

In line with the spending code, governmental approval was required and given for the project on 3 March 2020. Duggan Brothers (Contractors) Limited has the main contract. Total expenditure to the end of September on the main contract was €47.97 million, which represents 52% of the total projected spend. During October 2021, 255 people were working on site, which is important for the local economy.

The new laboratory will provide FSI with a functional purpose-built facility and will allow for the achievement of best practice standards for evidence processing, analysis and storage. We want to have this state-of-the-art facility in the State and ensure it not only gives us a state-of-the-art service but allows for international best practice, which is critical. In terms of working with our partners on the serious issue of international crime and terrorism within the European Union and on an international basis, we want to ensure we can all compete and work on a level playing field. This facility is a critical enabler of FSI strategy over the next five years. It seeks to integrate the laboratory functions of An Garda Síochána's technical bureau into the FSI as well. It represents a significant and important investment in our criminal justice system and tackling international and national crime. The works to date have consisted of the substructure, primary structure and the main and service buildings. It is progressing quite well.

Do members have any more questions on the centre? There is a proposed data centre on the site adjoining FSI laboratory facility. It has received full planning permission. The progress on the data centre will be closely monitored.

The Chair asked about legal aid. On the unwinding of rates for legal aid practitioners, the various professional fees across the Civil Service and those who are paid for work on behalf of the State is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and not the Department of Justice. It is within the bailiwick of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy McGrath.