Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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327. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in light of recent storm damage, he will ensure that all State and semi-State agencies under his remit tasked with the provision of services to the public, would have back-up generators to allow them function regardless of power cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9520/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that while my Department does not provide any services directly to the public due to the nature of its role, it does have access to a back-up generator at its offices in Government Buildings.

The position in respect of the bodies under the aegis of the Department is set out below:

• The Office of Public Works provides services to the public from a number of Heritage Sites and Visitor Centres. These services are not considered to be critical public services and can cease during storms, or other events, in line with advice issued by the relevant authorities. In any case where the service is deemed critical, back-up generators are in place.
• The Public Appointments Service provides services to the public and does not have a back-up generator.
• The Office of the Ombudsman has offices open to members of the public, who may wish to make an application or complaint in person to one of its statutory functions. Those services can also be availed of by email or online. The Office has no back-up generator.
• The State Laboratory does not provide any services to the public and has a back-up generator.
• The National Shared Services Office and the Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery do not provide any services to the public.