Written answers

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Office of Public Works

Photo of Jennifer Carroll MacNeillJennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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231. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date the arbitration process in relation to the National Children Science Centre started; the date the arbitration process finished; the date a decision on the arbitration process is expected; the next steps following the arbitration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34309/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The National Children’s Science Centre Arbitration was initiated in January 2020 and hear evidence on seven days between July and October 2021.  The Arbitrator, Mr Eoin McCullagh S.C. has issued his decision on the 25thJune 2022 and found in favour of the applicant, the Irish Children’s Museum Ltd (ICML), under acting-chairman, Michael Collins S.C.Subject to clarification of planning permissions, the Arbitrator has issued an interim award of Specific Performance of the agreements requiring the construction of the centre in the northern end of the Earlsfort Terrace complex by the OPW, on behalf of the State.The determination will be reviewed, and my Office will consider the findings and engage further with the ICML, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media and all other parties involved in the process to identify the appropriate next steps.

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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232. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that graduate architects (details supplied) in a graduate training scheme at the Office of Public Works will receive the same pay rise as their colleagues at the same level in the same scheme in the Department of Education and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34416/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland pay graduate architects directly and set the pay scale for their graduates. The OPW reimburse the RIAI for this service. Pay increases for graduate architects are not a matter for individual Departments or Offices to negotiate as consistency across Civil Service Departments and relativities with wider pay scales are essential. The OPW will complete a full review of the Graduate Architect Scheme later this year. 

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