asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of recent references in the Dáil and allegations in a journal (name supplied), he will make a statement on the future of the State properties on the corner of Saint Stephen's Green and Hume Street.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin State Properties.
31.
I would refer the Deputy to the answer given in reply to a question on 5th October, 1966, in which I said, inter alia, that the structural condition and layout of the State properties on the corner of St. Stephen's Green and Hume Street, were such that nothing short of complete reconstruction would render them suitable for permanent reoccupation and that in the circumstances it was proposed to dispose of the State's interest in them as soon as alternative accommodation was provided for the occupants.
The shortcomings of the two properties concerned as office accommodation of even moderate standards have long been recognised, and it was because of their general unsuitability that it was necessary about two years ago to arrange to transfer the then occupying staff of the Secondary Branch of the Department of Education to other premises.
My attention has been invited to criticisms in a certain journal of the possibility of the two houses in question being demolished. I have as deep a respect for Dublin's architectural heritage as anybody else, and in order that any action of mine should not be regarded as damaging to Georgian Dublin, I had, of course, already consulted the planning and development department of the corporation of Dublin before deciding to dispose of them.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary sure that it was not the ESB he consulted?
I do not see how the ESB comes into this question. The Deputy's knowledge of the topography of Dublin is not too hot.