Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
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I will be brief. I have been informed by various gardaí, sergeants in particular, around the country that they are very frustrated at the prices they are being forced to pay by the OPW, as they claim, for the upgrade of stations. I do not have data in this regard; it is all anecdotal evidence. To give an example, one sergeant told me that when he needed to have a room in the barracks painted, the OPW stated the price would be €700 or so, whereas it could be done locally for €150. Is it the case that Garda sergeants, or whoever is in control of local budgets, are not allowed to tender locally?