Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, back to the Dáil and congratulate him on his appointment. I look forward to working with the Minister of State in order to hold him to account but also to ensure progress in his Department in the context of what is an important role.

There is reference in the programme for Government to ensuring that "the Office of Public Works (OPW) and its structures deliver best value for money outcomes on all projects". Will the Minister of State indicate precisely what he means by that and by a timeframe for the completion of that project?

I thank the Deputy for his kind words. The OPW has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate - comprising approximately 2,500 properties - including office buildings, Garda properties, heritage properties, visitor centres and national monuments. The OPW also has responsibility for the funding and delivery of flood relief projects across the country and works with local authorities on the delivery of these schemes.

The OPW endeavours to ensure best value for money outcomes on all projects under its management. All contracts are subject to approval, monitoring and audit to ensure that value for money is being achieved throughout the procurement and delivery process. The OPW follows public procurement best practice in respect of the large spend under its remit. This includes the use of the Office of Government Procurement framework agreements, as well as establishing its own frameworks to achieve the most economic outcomes for the delivery of cost savings. These are advertised in eTenders.ie, following the public spending code, infrastructure guidelines to ensure the necessary project appraisals are conducted.

In order to address the concerns raised on the delivery of the covered bicycle shelter project in Leinster House, the OPW is finalising guidance for its staff on the approval and oversight of capital projects where the total expected expenditure is anticipated to be less than €500,000. This guidance covers the decision-making processes and the documentation required to inform supporting these decisions. The purpose of this guidance is to support efficient project delivery, within budget, in alignment with OPW’s strategic objectives and in support of programme for Government priorities. This guidance will further enhance effective and timely management, adhering to governance and compliance standards to support the oversight of these projects. The guidance will be regularly reviewed to ensure its relevance and alignment with OPW’s evolving needs. I am advised that the guidance will be finalised and in place within the next four to five weeks.

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