Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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33. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of his Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59720/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department continues to implement measures to improve ventilation across the buildings under its remit. The measures to improve natural ventilation of buildings includes the following; the opening of windows, a reduced onsite workforce facilitated through working from home, and the revision of the maximum occupational capacity of offices to ensure a safe physical distancing of staff. To minimise the effects of bad ventilation, any form of desk fan and portable fan operated heating devices have been removed.

In relation to mechanically operated ventilation systems, where relevant, the Office of Public Works (OPW) were contacted to conduct an examination of our Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) and Air Handling Units (AHU). The OPW confirmed that ventilation systems in all OPW occupied premises under my Department's remit are in compliance with current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

My Department has not installed additional air cleaning or purification systems in buildings under its remit, and does not envisage the installation of additional systems, unless otherwise advised by the OPW.