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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1966

Vol. 223 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leinster House Reconstruction.

6.

asked the Minister for Finance the total amount to date expended on the reconstruction of Leinster House; and the estimated amount as yet to be spent on this work.

The total expenditure to date is about £472,000. The amount still to be spent is estimated at £180,000 approximately.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that, when the country is in such a serious financial plight and when old age pensioners can be awarded only an extra 2/6d a week, this expenditure is justified?

I do not recall the Deputy or his Party at any time raising any objection to the provision of necessary office accommodation in Leinster House.

Is it not true to say that when this project was agreed to, there was no credit squeeze and we were told by the Taoiseach at the time that the country was sound economically, that we were round the corner, that there would be no further financial trouble? Now we have this fabulous, outrageous expenditure.

The accommodation is being provided because of insistent demands during the years for proper accommodation for Deputies and Senators. It is high time Deputies had a chance to do their work properly for their constituents.

The Parliamentary Secretary will agree, I am sure, that the housing of our people should take priority over all other building.

Mr. O'Malley

The Opposition agreed with the plans for Leinster House.

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