OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
OPW Seek Clarification From Garda Representative Association President
29th April 2009
PRESS RELEASE
OPW SEEK CLARIFICATION FROM GARDA REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCATION PRESIDENT
Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, has today called upon GRA President, Mr. Michael O’Boyce, to identify the Garda Station referred to in his address to his members yesterday at their conference in Killarney,
In his speech yesterday Mr O’Boyce cited examples of alleged waste and squandering of public monies. The OPW refuted and responded to these comments citing the facts in each case but has so far been unable to substantiate his claims concerning alleged costs of €1,100 to replace three bulbs in an unnamed Garda Station. Despite repeated requests to name this station by the OPW and indeed members of the media, Mr. O’Boyce has so far declined to do so.
Minister Mansergh said, “The OPW has always had an excellent working relationship with the Garda Authorities and we are most concerned about these comments. We undertake thousands of minor jobs each year and always seek value for money. We wish to investigate this matter fully and report on our findings. If this matter has any substance then we can review our procedures. While I can appreciate the role of the President of the GRA in informing his members and highlighting their issues, it is only fair that he provide us, in confidence if he so wishes, with the evidence to support his claims. I look forward to hearing from him”.
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· For further information contact George Moir, OPW Press Officer, (01) 647 6128 or (087) 231 4537.