Office of Public Works

In 2020 the OPW pre-paid a supplier €299,559 outside of contractual obligations, in respect of works completed on behalf of OPW to reduce the liquidity risk to a sub-contractor of a delayed payment from the main contractor. This payment was refunded in full to OPW in 2022. This transaction was not recorded as a debtor in the OPW 2020 and 2021 appropriation accounts. The circumstances surrounding the approval and documentation of disarrangement are currently being examined in full and any necessary actions will then be taken. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2014, please can I have a copy of Correspondence around the prepayment of €299,559 between the OPW and its contractors and subcontractors. Reports or reviews into the prepayment.