Results 11,581-11,600 of 26,512 for speaker:John McGuinness

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: We will now deal with the first item on the agenda, which is consideration of the Revised Estimates for 2016 from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Vote 13 - Office of Public Works. The Dáil ordered on 16 June that the Revised Estimates be referred to this committee for consideration. I welcome the Minister of State to the meeting and invite him to make his opening statement.

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: I thank the Minister of State. The agenda states that the committee is to consider the 26 Revised Estimates. I wish to make all those present aware of the following: no decisions are taken by the committee in relation to its consideration of the Estimates; the committee is only empowered to consider the Estimates and cannot alter, amend or vote on them; the committee must send a message to...

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: It is a learning process for us all.

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: In his earlier remarks, the Minister of State spoke about the different obstacles within the Department often seen as holding up progress. What plans does the Minister of State have to dismantle those obstacles?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: I understand that. I am talking about the general operations within the Department. Is the Minister of State satisfied that he is in charge of an efficient operation, delivering the best possible outcomes?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: I am speaking generally and beyond flood relief.

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: The Minister of State is happy with it. With regard to the management of staff in the Department, right down to parks, there is an issue regarding how staff are treated, should they bring forward complaints or issues. Is there a unit or individual dealing with that in terms of human resources and issues that may arise? Are there outstanding issues that might leave the Department open to...

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: I raise the issue with respect to the payment of salaries and so on. I am aware of a case within the control of the Office of Public Works where an individual has had a most awful life within the office; that person continues to be paid but is not asked to work. I will bring this personally to the Minister of State's attention. I tried to do this before but to no avail within the...

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: What has the OPW done in the way of reducing the number of leases and so on?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: How many leases does the OPW have on buildings that are not being utilised to the fullest extent?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: I ask the Minister of State to name them for the committee.

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: How much is that costing per annum?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: Per year?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: Is that €105,000 or €120,000?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: Okay. Is that building completely empty?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: How long has the building not been in use?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: Since 2015, Island House has been vacant and the State has been paying rent for it of €105,120. Is that correct?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: How long will that continue?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: Yes, but how long will that take?

Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach: Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (Revised) (22 Jun 2016)

John McGuinness: Since 2015, the State has had this property, at a rent of €4,000 per year-----