asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state whether it is proposed to acquire the Store Street premises from Córas Iompair Éireann before or after its conversion for use by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Store Street Premises.
As I informed the Deputy a week ago, the necessary changes in those parts of the premises which will require some alteration are the subject of discussions between my Department and the company and their technical consultants. It is probable that the property will have changed hands before effect is given to the alterations which appear to be necessary.
Am I to understand that the position is that the plans for the conversion of the premises will be made by the architects of Córas Iompair Éireann and will then be executed by the Board of Works?
The Deputy is not to understand any such thing from what I have said. I have indicated to him on more than one occasion that the question as to alterations in the plans has been the subject of discussions between my Department and the company and its consultants. The company has been made aware of certain alterations which are required, and the company is taking steps, I take it, to give effect to what we require in this respect. The question of the purchase of the property cannot be dealt with until such time as the necessary legal assurances have been received, and when they have been received the matter will be taken in hands expeditiously.
What I am anxious to find out is whether it is intended that these premises will be converted for the use of the Minister's Department before they are acquired from Córas Iompair Éireann or after it. Is the work of conversion to be done by Córas Iompair Éireann or the Board of Works?
The Board of Works do not come into the matter of conversion at this stage. Córas Iompair Éireann have been told what it will be necessary for them to do if we are to purchase the premises from them, and Córas Iompair Éireann, being anxious to dispose of the premises, will, I take it, take the necessary steps to satisfy the requirements of their customer. Before these alterations have been completed the property may be purchased from Córas Iompair Éireann, the liability remaining on Córas Iompair Éireann to do whatever it is legally directed to do for its customer.
In other words, the conversion work will be done by Córas Iompair Éireann?
Córas Iompair Éireann will be required to do whatever alterations we require carried out in this matter. When Córas Iompair Éireann has done that and is able to pass over premises which satisfy us the premises will be purchased from them.
Is there any means by which the Dáil can find out what the conversion alterations are going to cost?
I shall be most happy to let the Deputy know what the conversion costs will be as soon as we can ascertain them. That can only be done when we know the extent of the conversion required and what it will cost on tenders to make these conversions.
I assume, therefore, that no estimate has been made yet.
You cannot make an estimate until you make inquiries and get tenders. To proceed on any other line would be quite unwise.
Will it be done in our lifetime?
It will be done before the Deputy is many months older.