Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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321. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which projects that fall within the aegis of her Department and are within the revised National Development Plan are at an advanced stage at present or are in course thereof; the extent to which preliminary work has taken place or on-site works are in hand or proposed; the expected delivery date of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49261/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has the following capital allocation under the NDP:

The primary focus of this expenditure will be on continual investment in projects to modernise the Department’s business systems and Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to replace older, less energy efficient hardware. This involves the continued migration of business functionality to the Department’s strategic ICT platform and the development of a digital service platform. It also includes continued investment in the efficiency of data-centres, physical ICT infrastructure, security systems and ensuring that the complex ICT environment remains fit for purpose, secure and more energy efficient.

While the Office of Public Works has the principal responsibility for the provision and maintenance of office accommodation, my Department has a small capital allocation for elective works, including works to facilitate changing business requirements, consolidation of staff in existing buildings, refurbishments related to health and safety, improving disability access, and climate action works such as LED lighting.

The refurbishment of Áras Mhic Dhiarmada will be a significant capital project for my Department. While it is mentioned in the National Development Plan, no funding for this project has been allocated in the period 2021-2025. The OPW has prepared a preliminary report on the work required with a view to work commencing after 2025.