John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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269. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the cell specification tender documents issued to contractors, external architects, engineers and quantity surveyors over the past number of years have not included or outlined in some cases a clear and detailed specification with regard to the cell windows required. [13898/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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For many years there was only one supplier of cell windows in Ireland. There are now two OPW approved cell windows suppliers. Both window suppliers have been tested to CWCT TN-76 – EN 14019or the equivalent to I.I.R.S./Eolas 1987 to a minimum strength of 10 Nm. The approved suppliers have undertaken a rigorous process for approval.

The cell windows are made up of three components, which through their combined interaction, give the window its overall composite strength. One supplier may have a slightly stronger glass block while another has a stronger concrete and laminate protective cover. However, what matters is that their combined composit construction meet the European CWCT TN-76-EN 14019 Standard or the older Irish IIRS/Eolas 1987 Standard.

The Office of Public Works include the contact details of both approved suppliers of cell windows within their tender documentation. The drawings of the cell windows for a specific project are included within the tender drawings set issued to the Main Contractor at the time of tender. The Main Contractor may seek prices from one or both suppliers of the approved cell windows. The OPW has no role to play in this sub-contract process between the Main Contractor and a product supplier.