asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been directed to a report in a Sunday newspaper headed "Palatial prospect for the Deputies" from which it appears that it is proposed to expend public moneys on Leinster House in order to extend and increase the amenities available to members of the Oireachtas and whether he will state the nature, purpose and cost of such works and what considerations led the Government to decide on them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leinster House.
The Press report referred to is tendentious in tone and inaccurate in detail. The works at present in progress on Leinster Lawn are not designed to extend or increase the amenities available to members of the Oireachtas: their object is the provision in a suitable setting of a permanent memorial to Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins and Kevin O'Higgins in replacement of the temporary cenotaph which had to be removed some years ago. The permanent memorial will be erected on the central site formerly occupied by the Albert Memorial which has been moved to a new position. Certain incidental improvements in the layout of the lawn consisting of the removal of the unsightly air-raid shelters, the provision of flower beds, ornamental trees and a pond and fountain are included in the scheme, which is estimated to cost in all about £20,000.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary take steps to ensure that, in the carrying out of the scheme on Leinster Lawn, the same mistake is not made of putting up an architectural monstrosity there, as has been done in Kildare Street?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if any consideration is being given to the provision of ante-rooms and better places to inter view constituents in the House?
That does not arise.