Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Procedures.

John McGuinness

Question:

716 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the system of stock control and purchase which exists at Kilkenny Castle; the length of time the system is in place; his views on the lack of a system which was the case for quite some time; the nature of the system of management in this particular area; the way in which it functions; the number of contracts awarded to private companies or individuals by Kilkenny Castle for work at the castle in the past three years; the procedure which was followed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15429/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The system of stock control and purchase at Kilkenny Castle is a standard system operated by the Department at all heritage properties and is of long standing. Local management has reported problems with the operation of the system recently and steps were taken to resolve the situation, including assigning additional staff to clear backlogs. The situation has been complicated by industrial relations issues at this site but the matter is being kept under review and further measures will be taken as necessary to maintain the proper functioning of the system.

Most contracts at Kilkenny Castle are handled by the Office of Public Works, who operate in accordance with Government procurement procedures. These contracts include for example, boiler maintenance and repair, electrical works, painting works, other general maintenance works. Office of Public Works also managed the recent contract for the installation of the glass lobby doors. Smaller routine contracts handled from Kilkenny include Rentokil pest control, Comdiscan sanitary systems, etc. All are carried out in accordance with standard procurement procedures.