Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 1975

Vol. 286 No. 12

Vote 9: Public Works and Buildings.

Minister for Finance (Mr. R. Ryan)

I move:

That a supplementary sum not exceeding £635,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1975, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of Public Works; for expenditure in respect of public buildings; for the maintenance of certain parks and public works; for the execution and maintenance of drainage and other engineering works; for expenditure arising from damage to the property of External Governments; and for payment of a grant-in-aid.

Mr. Moore

May I ask the Minister if, in view of the increased travelling expenses, he will even at this stage consider the purchase of a jet aeroplane to take staff around Europe? He might save some money there. Also will he tell us when they are going to open the Kildare Street Club as the National Library and, thirdly, would he spell out the number of new buildings which the Office of Public Works are going to build and where they will be built?

Mr. R. Ryan

I shall deal with the first query and the Parliamentary Secretary will deal with the other two. The Office of Public Works does not cover travelling expenses outside of expenses incurred by the staff of that office.

Mr. Moore

They are mentioned in the brief.

Mr. R. Ryan

They are travelling expenses relating to the Office of Public Works. If we were operating our own jet aircraft it would cost a great deal more.

Mr. Moore

That is only guesswork.

Mr. R. Ryan

It is not guesswork.

Mr. Colley

I want to put on record the fact that we are unable, because of the limitation on time, to discuss these Estimates in the way in which they should be discussed. That is all I want to say.

Mr. Moore

Will we have an opportunity later?

Mr. R. Ryan

You will, next week.

Vote put and agreed to.