Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I add my congratulations to Kilmainham Gaol. I echo that there are incredible workers in the OPW. Many of the tour guides - I have raised this in this House before - are on contracts that prevent them from progressing beyond a certain grade. That causes them to leave because no matter how experienced or qualified they are, they cannot progress beyond that point. There are incredible people who work in the OPW.

This morning during a Commencement matter I raised concerns that senior management in the OPW break the law and have broken the law. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, said that if I had evidence of that, I should bring it to him. He knows I have repeatedly raised the matter through parliamentary questions and in this House. I will now put the proof on the record. I had to go to the Office of the Information Commissioner to get it. I was put through the hoops but I want to confirm that on 16 November 2020 a report was carried out by a ranger in the National Parks and Wildlife Service. That report stated:

In conclusion:

In light of the evidence that unfolded during my investigation, I recommend that the Office of Public Works is prosecuted under Regulations 51 (2)(b); and 51 2 (d) of the European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulations ... for disturbing the breeding and resting place of bats in Emo Court House without a bat derogation license. Furthermore, I recommend that the Office of Public Works is also prosecuted under Regulation 65 of the said EU Regulations namely: incites, directs, procures, permits or assists another person to carry out an action that is an offence under these Regulations shall also be guilty of an offence.

The Minister of State is aware of this. I will post this to him to let him know. I want it on the record of this House that I do not come in here and make accusations without having my facts in place. The Minister of State is well aware of the fact that the OPW was recommended for prosecution, including in a second case in Barryscourt, where it also carried out works without the necessary licence.