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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022

Thursday, 20 January 2022

Questions (17)

Gerald Nash

Question:

17. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps the OPW has taken to improve ventilation in properties under its aegis in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic; the funding available to the OPW for ventilation enhancements in such buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2484/22]

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Written answers

The OPW has issued guidance on ventilation to Departments, based on the recommendations contained in the Government’s “Work Safely Protocol”. On an ongoing basis the OPW Maintenance Helpdesk provides advice and assistance on request to Departments occupying OPW buildings. Responsibility for risk assessing individual work places, including the level of ventilation in OPW buildings, rests with the occupying Department. In buildings where the OPW manages the maintenance of ventilation systems, this is done in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and guidelines. Control settings, such as extended run times (before and after building occupation) have been changed in line with the latest public health recommendations. In circumstances where a concern or issue relating to poor ventilation in an area is raised by an occupying Department, these are addressed on a case by case basis by OPW Engineers/Technical Inspectors. The OPW is funded to carry out essential maintenance of Civil Service occupied buildings. This maintenance includes ventilation systems. Government Departments are funded to carry out elective works and OPW will advise/manage where requested to do so.

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