Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

195. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of tenders received for the construction of the new State forensics laboratory by the closing date of 20 November 2017; the timeframe to assess the tenders; the timeframe for construction to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50844/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the construction of the new Forensic Science Laboratory is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department.

I am informed by the OPW that, following a pre-qualification process, a total of seven contractors were invited to tender for this project. As additional information was issued to the contractors during the tender period, the return deadline has been extended to 20th December 2017. Therefore, none have been received to date. The assessment of the tenders will be undertaken in conjunction with the appointment of mechanical and electrical sub-contractors which is expected to take a number of months. The projected construction period is two years.