Perhaps you could tell us, A Chathaoirligh, something about the accommodation to be provided for the Seanad after Christmas.
ACCOMMODATION FOR THE SEANAD.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The matter was taken in hands by the Board of Works, two months ago, after an interview with several Senators, including the Vice-Chairman and myself. We suggested certain accommodation should be provided in the Chamber allotted for the purpose of our sittings. There were two alternative plans with regard to the admission of the Press and the public. Any Senators who have been to view the place will recollect that as you go up the grand staircase, as I may describe it, there is a large statue of stone or marble which, to some extent, blocks the way. One suggestion was to remove that statue and to run a gallery which would have an exit into our Chamber by making a doorway in the main wall of the building.
The other was to leave that staircase alone—that is, the existing stone staircase—and to put up an approach for the public and the Press upon the other side of the Chamber. That would involve a substantial outlay, because it would mean the construction of an approach from below up to a level with our Chamber. It would be a much more convenient and suitable adjustment, because it would enable accommodation to be made for the Press and would give them a private writing room and it would also completely cut off the access of the public and strangers by that staircase, which would then be exclusively reserved for Senators. I do not think that any decision has yet been come to as to which of the two plans they will adopt. The first does not involve much expenditure; the other would involve considerable expenditure, but it would be a material advantage to the value of the premises, and in that way the expense might be compensated for. I do not know what the ultimate decision will be. The Board of Works are proceeding as quickly as they can with the transformation of the Chamber to make it suitable for occupation by the Senate. It certainly will not be available the next time we meet, and probably we will not be in it very much before Easter.
May I ask if precautions have been taken not to interfere in any way with the dignity and beauty of the ceiling of that remarkable room. I heard with alarm that a door had been broken through the walls.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
You must have some access to the Chamber. There must be provision made on one side or another for access to the Chamber, but that will not interfere with the ceiling in any shape or form.
But there are two schemes.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
Neither would interfere with the ceiling.
May I inform Senator Yeats that if the first plan is carried out, then the door, which is a dummy at the moment, would be used, but as far as the internal decorations are concerned, they will not be interfered with. If, on the other hand, that can be dispensed with, then the window on the other side will become a door. No serious alteration will take place except on the ground floor to make it suitable for the Seanad. The small staircase would interfere with the hall. Putting across the hall a short staircase would not add to its beauty. But we were assured by the Board of Works that it can be easily taken away—which would leave the hall just as it was before.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
It would be an advantage if Senators would utilise the opportunity between this and their next meeting to go and see the premises. The Board of Works and their architect were exceedingly courteous and obliging, and are only too anxious to receive suggestions and hints, and only too desirous to meet our views in every possible way.
I think we may safely say that we shall not have to meet again before an interval of a month. We shall not be required at any rate to meet before the middle of next month.
I formally move:—"That the Seanad do now adjourn to a date in January to be fixed by An Cathaoirleach."
Question put and agreed to.
AN CATHAOIRLEACH
The Seanad now stands adjourned. I wish Senators one and all a happy Christmas.
The Seanad adjourned at 4.5 p.m.