asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if there are plans to replace the inadequate and most unsuitable sorting office in Pearse Street, Dublin; if so, what is the nature of the plans; and when they are likely to be implemented.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pearse Street, Dublin, Sorting Office.
5.
Mr. Ryan
It is proposed to erect a new Central Sorting Office in Dublin. As I stated when introducing the Estimate for my Department on 17th May, 1961, very good progress has been made on the contract drawings for the new building and it is expected that tenders for the erection of the steel framework will be invited within the next few months.
May I ask the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is not so that his predecessor in office, Deputy Gerry Boland, gave an answer closely analogous to that in this House 28 years ago?
I do not know what Deputy Boland said 28 years ago but this is the first occasion on which any money appeared on the Estimate for payment towards the cost of the provision of this building which is so necessary in the city of Dublin.
For the purpose of the Minister's historical education, he may recall that Deputy Boland made a similar answer 28 years ago, to the earnest urging of his audience.
I am giving historical information. The Deputy and his Government had ample opportunity to provide this building when they were in office.
I thought the Minister was going to say "when they are in office".
You have been in office for 20 years.
I have not.