Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

326. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role his Department and the Office of Public Works played in the decision of the National Gallery of Ireland to purchase an x-ray scanner in 2017; what plans had been discussed with the Office of Public Works on the housing of such a scanner in advance of the purchase and what became of these plans; if the cost of housing the x-ray scanner was discussed or agreed by the Office of Public Works or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Gallery of Ireland (NGI) purchased an X-Ray machine in 2017 to support their work in the areas of conservation and research to their collections. The OPW was not consulted in advance of the acquisition of the machine and there were no interactions between the NGI and the OPW in respect of costs for either the machine, or any works that might be associated with its installation.

The provision of a protective lead lined room was required for the safe use of the X-Ray machine and subsequently, the NGI approached the OPW in 2018 with regard to a proposed location within the NGI’s buildings.

The OPW sought structural engineering advice with regard to floor loadings to accommodate the machine and the protective lead lining, however, no further requests were received from the NGI to progress the project to install the machine at that time.