asked the Minister for Finance if it is proposed to proceed with work on the Garden of Remembrance in the Rotunda Gardens; and, if so, when it is expected that the work will be completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garden of Remembrance.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of his question, the Deputy will be aware from replies given by my predecessor to questions on this subject that the site was made available to the Rotunda Hospital authorities by the late Government as a temporary measure for the purposes of an infant welfare unit. Work on the Garden of Remembrance cannot be commenced until the temporary use of the site shall have ceased. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to say when the project will be completed, but meanwhile steps are being taken to have all work preparatory to the placing of contracts for the carrying out of the approved scheme put in hands, so that there may be no delay in proceeding with the work when the site becomes available. The Minister for Health is also being approached to expedite the provision of permanent accommodation for the infant welfare unit which at present occupies the site temporarily.