To ask the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a number of firms in Cork City to whom awards have been made, and compensation claims paid, have, although approached on several occasions by representatives of the Cork Corporation and the Cork Workers' Council, persistently refused to start the rebuilding of the destroyed premises, and whether, in view of the widespread unemployment presently existing in Cork City, he will take steps to compel the firms who have received compensation to start the rebuilding immediately.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - REBUILDING OF CORK.
I understand that pressure has been put locally on firms in Cork who expect to have claims for compensation paid in order to secure that such firms should commence rebuilding at once. The number of firms, however, in whose case awards have in fact been made and compensation actually paid is hitherto small, though it is anticipated that it will greatly increase in the near future. The arrangement made in Cork that firms wishing to rebuild could obtain advances up to 3/5ths of the amount of the building decree held by them has not been availed of to the extent expected, but I understand that the firms concerned were not anxious to commit themselves until the precise sum payable to them was ascertained. The present cost of building in Cork is not such as to encourage the prompt placing of contracts and it would appear to be a matter of importance for the City that all parties should consult together with a view to such a reduction in costs as will enable the money available for rebuilding to be applied to the best advantage.