asked the Minister for Finance on how many occasions the mobile security ramps operating at the Kildare Street gate of Leinster House have been inoperative since their installation; the number of days of the longest breakdown; the reasons for such continuous mechanical failure; and if he intends to re-consider either the installation or maintenance contract in view of the present unsatisfactory nature of the operation of this security facility despite the best efforts of the Leinster House staff involved.
Written Answers. - Mobile Security Ramps.
272.
Since its installation in 1974 the rising step barrier at the Kildare Street entrance to Leinster House has been inoperative on 22 occasions each of one day's duration for the purpose of periodical planned maintenance. In addition there have been a small number of mechanical breakdowns the longest of which has been the current breakdown from 12 November to date. A breakdown of nine days in June this year occurred because of the difficulty experienced by the contractor in obtaining spare parts.
It is considered that the number of mechanical failures is not excessive. Any piece of machinery will on occasion malfunction and in general repairs have been carried out within a 24-hour period.
The Commissioners of Public Works do not propose to review the installation contract at this stage.
The Commissioners have a maintenance contract with the firm which installed the barrier under which quarterly overhauls are carried out and provision is made for prompt attention to faults. The exceptional delay in remedying the most recent breakdown is attributable to an accounting difficulty between the contractor and the Commissioners. The difficulty has now been resolved and it is hoped that the necessary work to restore the barrier to full working order can be carried out rapidly. The Commissioners are reviewing what steps can be taken to improve the quality of servicing.