asked the Minister for Finance if the wallpaper used in the recent redecoration of the Parliamentary Secretaries' Dining Room in Dáil Éireann was of Irish manufacture; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Dining Room Wallpaper.
17.
The room referred to is not the Parliamentary Secretaries' Dining Room as such but is used by the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad when entertaining visiting dignitaries and also for entertaining visiting representatives of the EEC. Before the recent redecoration the room was the subject of regular criticism.
Investigation showed that what was needed was a wallcovering which would achieve a reduction in the level of sound reverberation in this comparatively small room. The material to be used would also have to provide a suitable background for the paintings loaned by the National Gallery and match up the existing furniture, curtains and ceilling. After careful consideration a linen bonded fabric wallcovering was chosen of a type used in many art galleries. A specialised wallcovering of this type is not manufactured in this country.
(Interruptions.)
A Deputy
It is a rogue's gallery now.
Order.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a room known as the Parliamentary Secretaries' dining room which Parliamentary Secretaries and Ministers who have visitors use?
And the Leader of the Opposition if he wishes.
Yes. The point is that he has always been satisfied with the paper in his room. Visiting dignitaries attended in this room referreds to in the question. Does the Parliamentary Secretary feel, in view of the furore that is widespread over the country in the last month in relation to State-sponsored bodies going outside the country for supplies——
A brief question, please.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it is disgraceful example from Government Ministers and their Parliamentary Secretaries that this reasonably small room could not be papered with Irish material?
The Deputy is embarking on a speech rather than asking a question.
The Parliamentary Secretary wrongly said that this is the place you dine in. I do not believe it is. The House is being misinformed.
The Chair should not be brought into this.
The Deputy's party will need paper to cover up the cracks that will show up this weekend.
(Interruptions.)
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that this is disgraceful?
I should like to point out that the last time this room was redecorated was 1967. At that time it was imported British vinyl wallpaper that was put on the walls.
Question No. 18.
Things were going well then. There was no large scale unemployment.
The country was certainly going well then.
When the Deputy was Parliamentary Secretary he spent £600 on Christmas cards.
(Interruptions.)
Order.
A Deputy
The Deputy is a juvenile delinquent.
(Interruptions.)
Order.
Is it all right for a Member of the House to refer to another as a juvenile delinquent?
(Interruptions.)
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary a question?
A brief supplementary.
What were the figures on the live register in 1967?
That is not relevant at all.
That is a separate question.