asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that there is grave dissatisfaction over the conditions at present existing in the district sorting office in Ballsbridge, Dublin as it appears to be overcrowded and unhealthy; and if he is prepared to provide new and suitable premises there.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballsbridge (Dublin) Sorting Office.
142.
I am aware of the inadequacy of the accommodation at the Ballsbridge district sorting office. Intensive efforts have been made to secure a suitable site or premises in the area for a new office but, unfortunately, without success so far. These efforts are being continued.
The Minister appreciates this area has changed completely to a highly industrialised one. Can he mitigate the conditions that exist at present before he provides the alternative accommodation?
This matter has been going for 2½ to 3 years and the problem is that of finding a suitable site for premises. We have inspected about 19 different sites but we do not seem to be able to get one. As the Deputy points out, there is a problem. The problem is particulary accentuated between 6 and 7.30 in the morning—it is not so bad at other times—when there are over 50 sorters coming in to do the work. I cannot see any immediate solution to the problem.
It seems the Minister is aware of the seriousness of the position. The cubic capacity available for the number of people is quite inadequate under either the Offices or the Factories Act; perhaps, the Minister would state which Act applies? The fire hazard is very serious. There is only one exit-entrance and the situation is one which cannot be allowed to continue like this. While one appreciates the great efforts made in seeking an alternative site, would the Minister not agree as a temporary measure to look for accommodation to rent rather than carry on under these conditions?
We have been trying hard to get alternative accommodation. An effort was made to move down sorting to our former old premises in Pearse Street, but the staff did not go for that and it is understandable why they would not want to go down there. In connection with fire and other hazards, the medical officer for the area reported that the office was too small for the number of people employed but it was satisfactory under the headings of lighting, heating, ventilation, sanitation and cleanliness and that the general health of the staff was good. While I have been looking for premises I have not been pressing the matter of looking for rented premises for short-term purposes and I could consider that.
Could the Minister explain——
It is after 5 o'clock.
I have just one question. Why is it that there has been an extraordinary increase in the number of business premises acquired and built in this area by insurance companies, banks and industries? What is it that makes it impossible for the Minister's Department to find a suitable site?
There is nothing, except reason, to stop the Department from going out and paying an outlandish figure for a site. This matter is being approached in a reasonable way. We find some fantastic prices being sought for sites. I do not see any great reason for paying a ridiculous price and maybe find myself accused in the House of paying some friend of my own too much money for a site.
We appreciate the Minister's difficulty——
I cannot allow any further discussion. It is after 5 o'clock and there is a question on the Adjournment. The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper unless Deputies require a written reply.
On a point of Order. I have a question, No. 154, on the Order Paper since before the Christmas recess. We could go on like this until the summer recess and it might not be reached. Are we to continue indefinitely this system of putting the same Minister at the end of the Order Paper?
It is not a matter for the Chair.
I am here every Thursday for the purpose of answering questions and if the Deputy could arrange with Deputy Garret FitzGerald to be a little less exhaustive in supplementary questions earlier on we could make greater progress.
This is not good enough.