Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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317. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the level of construction inflation that has been experienced by his Department in each of the past six years and to date in 2017 in respect of construction projects and other capital projects; the way in which he monitors construction inflation and the mechanisms he employs to establish this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11542/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under the arrangements set out in Circular 1 of 2013, the OPW act as an agent for any building works carried out by the Department of Social Protection.

Providing a centralised service for the provision and management of accommodation is the most economic way of protecting the State property portfolio. OPW has the relevant expertise and trained personnel both in the procurement and undertaking of construction works. They place works contracts, certify works and pay contractors on behalf of the Department of Social Protection.

Details in relation to the level of construction inflation and how it is monitored are the responsibility of the OPW and should be addressed to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.