Sir, - There were a number of inaccuracies in your recent report on property management in the Office of Public Works (The Irish Times, August 7th), which covered the publication of a report by IMPACT's OPW engineering branch.
A spokesman for OPW management claimed the report was driven by industrial relations motives. In fact, it was published because OPW property professionals wanted to draw public attention to routine organisational failings that may be costing the State millions of pounds every year. Our members have no axe to grind, but felt that their professional duty to the taxpayer extended beyond their duty to their immediate employer in this case.
OPW management also claimed that IMPACT had been asked to substantiate the allegations in the report, and had failed to do so. This is not true. Despite repeated efforts by IMPACT over 14 months there has been no management response to the report except for a two-line letter noting its contents. It was frustration at this failure to engage that led IMPACT to make the report public.
The OPW has tried to ignore the report and its recommendations, which our members believe have the potential to save the taxpayer millions of pounds. It is now trying to rubbish them. Last week, IMPACT sent it to the Comptroller and Auditor General as this appears to be the only way of having its contents properly examined. - Yours, etc.,
Bernard Harbor, Information Officer, IMPACT, Nerney's Court, Dublin 1.