Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
414. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether a nationally defined custodial window performance standard exists for Garda detention-cell environments used in Garda station capital projects delivered by the Office of Public Works; and if he will provide details of the standards, testing methodologies, certification requirements and equivalence criteria applied. [36629/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether custodial window assemblies installed in Garda detention-cell environments are assessed and certified on a full system-performance basis, including deliberate attack resistance, anti-ligature performance, containment capability, ventilation safety, fire performance and detention suitability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36630/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the standards, technical guidance documents and certification frameworks relied upon by the Office of Public Works in assessing custodial window systems for Garda detention environments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36631/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra417. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether standards primarily designed for curtain walling, façade impact assessment or general construction products, including EN 14019 or related harmonised standards, are relied upon in the assessment or acceptance of custodial cell window assemblies within Garda station projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36632/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra418. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Office of Public Works maintains a formal equivalence-assessment framework governing substitution or alternative proposals for custodial window assemblies in Garda detention environments; and if he will provide details of the evidential requirements applied. [36633/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of Garda station projects since 2010 involving installation, replacement or refurbishment of custodial cell window systems under Office of Public Works management; the total associated capital expenditure; and whether remedial or corrective works have subsequently been required in any such projects. [36634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra420. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any internal review, engineering assessment, protected disclosure process or external examination is ongoing concerning custodial window assemblies installed in Garda station projects delivered by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra423. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Office of Public Works maintains a central register of custodial security systems and associated certification documentation used within Garda detention-cell environments nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra424. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Office of Public Works has carried out any review of the long-term maintenance, replacement or remedial liability exposure associated with custodial window systems installed in Garda station projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36639/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra425. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any Garda station projects currently under construction or active delivery contain custodial window assemblies subject to ongoing technical review, dispute, assessment or protected disclosure processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36640/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 423, 424 and 425 together.
There are no Garda Station projects which are currently under construction or active delivery and which contain custodial window assemblies which are currently subject to ongoing technical review, dispute, or assessment.
Protected Disclosures are subject to specific processes, bound by confidentiality; therefore, it is not appropriate to provide any comment in relation to this.
The custodial window assemblies used in Garda station capital projects delivered by the Office of Public Works meet the requirement for impact performance in accordance with the standard ‘EN14019’, and specific anti-ligature performance, ventilation safety and fire performance standards.
Custodial window assemblies comprise a composite of three individual elements; glass block, concrete, and laminate. Each of the three elements can vary when compared with each other. Combined, these elements comply with the standard EN 14019. Currently there are two approved suppliers. Each of the two approved suppliers have provided all relevant technical submissions, along with detailed methodology for the manufacture and installation of their windows.
The Office of Public Works has undertaken general detention area upgrades in Garda stations over the last number of years. The aim of this programme of works is to meet contemporary standards of prisoner care by upgrading heating, ventilation, cell doors and ablution facilities. In many instances, the Garda stations within this programme date back to the nineteenth century and so in some cases old custodial window assemblies have been upgraded.
In 2016, the Office of Public Works carried out a comprehensive technical review in respect of custodial window assemblies. There is no current internal review, engineering assessment, or external examination ongoing concerning custodial window assemblies installed in Garda station projects delivered by the Office of Public Works.
All relevant certification documentation and associated information is included within the Safety File of each project.
As a Contracting Authority, the Office of Public Works carries out a continuous programme of maintenance work in Garda Stations on behalf of An Garda Síochána. The Office of Public Works has not carried out any specific review of the long-term maintenance, replacement or remedial liability exposure associated with custodial window systems installed in Garda station projects.
