Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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173. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide details on the way he plans to ensure that the OPW and its structures deliver best value for money outcomes on all projects; if he has timeline for the completion of any proposed reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5123/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The OPW has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate - comprising approximately 2,500 properties including office buildings, Garda properties, heritage properties, visitor centres and national monuments. The OPW also has responsibility for the funding and delivery of flood relief projects across the country and works with local authorities on the delivery of these schemes.

The OPW endeavours to ensure best value for money outcomes on all projects under its management. All contracts are subject to approval, monitoring and audit to ensure that value for money is being achieved throughout the procurement and delivery process.

The OPW follows public procurement best practice in respect of the large spend under its remit. This includes:

• utilisation of the Office of Government Procurement framework agreements, as well as establishing its own frameworks, to achieve the most economic outcomes to drive cost savings. These are advertised in eTenders.ie.
• following the Public Spending Code (Infrastructure Guidelines) to ensure the necessary project appraisals are conducted.
  
  In order to address the concerns raised on the delivery of the covered bicycle shelter project in Leinster House, the OPW is finalising guidance for staff in relation to the approval and oversight of capital projects where the total expected expenditure is anticipated to be less than €500,000. This guidance covers the decision-making processes and the documentation of required information supporting these decisions.
  
  The purpose of this guidance is to support efficient and effective project delivery, within budget, and in alignment with OPW’s strategic objectives and in support of Programme for Government priorities. This guidance will further enhance effective and timely project management adhering to governance and compliance standards and supporting the oversight of these projects.
  
  The guidance will be regularly reviewed to ensure its relevance and alignment with OPW’s evolving needs. I am advised that the guidance will be finalised and in place within the next four to five weeks.