asked the Minister for Finance the buildings heated by the system operated by OPW workers at Leinster House; if shift work is involved; and if the system is operational on a 365-days basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leinster House Heating.
42.
The buildings in question are Leinster House; Government Buildings (North and South Blocks); Agriculture House; the Kildare Street Offices of the Departments of Industry and Commerce and Transport and Power; the National Gallery; the National Library; the National Museum; the National College of Art and Design; and the College of Science. Round-the-clock shift working is normally involved every day roughly from November to April. Outside that period heating requirements vary and round-the-clock working is not necessary to meet them.
In view of the valuable masterpieces in the Art Gallery, the valuable papers in the National Library, and the valuable material in the National Museum, is any effort being made to have this strike fixed?
Several efforts have been made. I met these people in my room last week.
Have we an assurance from the Parliamentary Secretary that another effort will be made to ensure that this matter is brought to an end at the earliest possible moment?
Every effort is being made in this matter. I can assure the Deputy that I am doing my best.
This strike has been going on for a considerable period and it is causing much concern not only to Members of this House but to the staffs in the Art Gallery, the National Library, the Museum and the other centres mentioned by the Parliamentary Secretary.
I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made in this matter. This morning I sent them a communication saying that their application would be sympathetically considered next January.
Is it not a fact that the Government have no money to make payments demanded by the personnel?
That is not so.
It is more economic to keep the strike going nowadays.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary been in touch with the Meteorological Office?
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what kind of fuel is used to heat Government Buildings?
Turf.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary sure of that? I do not think he is.
No.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary repeat what he said with regard to next January? Was he speaking in connection with bringing the people together who are concerned in this dispute?
The Deputy misunderstood me. I met these people last week and I pointed out to them that if they deferred their application until next January it would be sympathetically reconsidered. The Minister for Finance made that statement here on 21st January, that anything concerning the national wage agreement cannot be dealt with until next January.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that no damage will be caused to valuable paintings?
I am quite satisfied.
May we accept that as a guarantee that no damage is being done?
In view of the fact that an optimum temperature is decided on by the people who preserve paintings in the National Gallery, how can the Parliamentary Secretary be so sure that no damage is being done when that temperature is not being maintained?
My consultants tell me they are quite satisfied.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.