asked the Minister for Justice whether an office in the Courthouse, Portlaoighise, is being used by the Minister for Health in connection with the election campaign at present in progress in the constituency of Laois/Offaly, and, if so, whether the county registrar has been authorised to give office accommodation for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Portlaoighise Courthouse Office.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and accordingly the second part does not arise.
The Minister is using the office for his official duties and for no other purpose.
Would the Minister repeat the last part of his reply again? I did not hear him.
The Minister is using the office for his official duties and for no other purpose.
Mr. Lemass
Is the Minister alleging that no election work is being carried on in that office at Portlaoighise by the Minister for Health?
Would the Minister state if it is not a fact that the Minister for Health decided that, because of his duties, it was important that he should establish a temporary office for himself in Portlaoigise for the purpose of dealing with the business of his own Department?
Mr. Lemass
Will the Minister for Justice say if what Deputy Collins alleges is correct, that the office is required for the functions of the Department of Health?
I am informed that the Minister has taken this office for the purpose of his official duties. Under Section 9 of the Courthouse and Provisions Act, 1935, the county registrar has the right and power to control courthouses and he has a right to let them under certain conditions. In this case, a rent of 10/- is being paid for the use of the office in the courthouse and that amount, when collected, will be handed over to the county council.
Mr. Lemass
From whom will it be collected?
They will collect it, I suppose, from the Department of Health.
Is this a step towards decentralisation?
Is the fuel being used from the county hospital for the purpose of heating this official office?
Question No. 11.