Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the itemised breakdown of the cost of works to the value of €945,000 which Foras na Gaeilge commissioned from the landlord of its new headquarters (details supplied); if these were approved by the board of Foras na Gaeilge and her Department; if the appropriate procurement procedure was followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27070/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, Foras na Gaeilge moved to new offices at 63-66 Amiens Street at the beginning of October 2017. The property was substantially refurbished by the landlord in advance of this move and it was the landlord who commissioned all works in relation to the building.

This significant investment upgraded the building from an aged 1980s vintage office building to Grade A standard. This investment was important, not just in terms of ensuring the new accommodation was of an appropriate standard, but also to comply with other obligations, including in relation to environmental standards and universal access. 

I am informed by An Foras that the landlord followed an appropriate procurement procedure on a commercial basis to ensure the best value for money in relation to the works on the building. Foras na Gaeilge also received advice from a qualified quantity surveyor in relation to the estimates in order to ensure value for money.

Furthermore, An Foras has also informed me that it made its Board and Sponsor Departments aware of every aspect of this project which it considered material, at the appropriate junctures.  

The following is a breakdown of the cost of the works referred to by the Deputy: