Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Vice Chairman for his question. Every building is different and we have a mixture that are in our custody. Over the last two years, the same as every element of construction, work has progressed on a stop-go basis due to Covid and we had to meet social distancing requirements but luckily now that has all stopped. Yes, is the short answer. We have our own limitations. We would like to have more outdoor staff and more craft workers. We have the apprenticeship programmes that the former Minister of State, Brian Hayes, resurrected when he had my role. We definitely would like to have more such programmes, particularly stonemasonry as it is a craft for which the Office of Public Works is renowned. Anybody who travels through the properties that the Office of Public Works is responsible for is in awe of the restoration works done by OPW staff. The Vice Chairman need only look at sites in his own constituency to see an example of the work that the OPW can take pride in, whether it is historic properties, the national monuments or any of the buildings. One does not need to go outside the four walls of this building to see an example of the work done by OPW staff and the pride they take in it.

Yes, is the short answer. We would always like to have more resources. Skilled labourers are very difficult to get. We must compete with the private sector in the form of the construction sector. We have a very good story to tell in terms of new entrants. When one joins the public sector one joins an organisation with a lot of pride. It is like a family and there is career progression. Also, there is a great opportunity not only to progress in terms of skilled labour but to progress into other elements of the organisation and to train and develop in different forms of careers.

The OPW affords opportunities and flexibility at that level to those who join it. Whether it is in Castletown House, Kilkenny, Leinster House, Sceilg Mhichíl or elsewhere, we have in our portfolio some of the most iconic buildings in the world. We are very proud of them. Our workforce is limited. We would like to take on more and to do more. We would like to be able to expand our ambition for 2022.