asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the total purchase price of the embassy building in Paris, (b) the total cost of furniture, fittings, utensils, etc., and (c) the total amount spent to-date on maintenance, repairs, rates, fuel, light, water, cleaning, etc.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Paris Embassy.
(a) The purchase price of the premises including legal etc., expenses was £151,940. (b) Final figures of cost in respect of adaptations, furniture etc. are not yet available, but it is estimated that the total expenditure will be of the order of £45,000. (c) Complete figures of cost in respect of maintenance, heating, lighting, etc., are at present available only for the period ended 31st March 1956. These amount to approximately £2,400.
May I ask the Minister for Finance now if there is any question of a savings campaign being put into operation when we have luxury buildings such as this outside the State?
The Deputy is no doubt aware of the date on which these premises were acquired.
I appreciate that, Sir, but, in view of the fact that the value of house property in Paris has nearly doubled, is he aware that this building could now be sold at a profit to the State and the money so gained could be devoted to useful purposes within our own country rather than to keeping up pretentious establishments abroad that are no use to us?
That is a suggestion.
The Minister is running away from his responsibilities. If he is not running away from them, why does he not stand up to them?
Deputy Aiken knows all about this.
The Minister is as much standing up to his responsibilities as Deputy Aiken ever did.