asked the Minister for Finance to outline the plans, if any, for the repair and further use of the old Garda barracks, Navan, County Meath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Navan Barracks.
9.
The possibility of adapting the former Garda station at Navan for other State purposes is being considered.
Would the Minister not agree that while the Government are considering these matters there is grave danger of this building being treated like other public buildings unoccupied for some time and becoming almost derelict? Will he indicate whether or not there is any concrete proposal to use this building again? It is a fine old building and should not be allowed to deteriorate.
The former Garda station at Navan is vested in the Minister for Justice by virtue of the General Prisons Board Order, 1928. It was vacated by the Garda in late 1978. The Department of Justice have requested that the building be restored to provide accommodation for their welfare service. Any scheme of restoration would necessarily entail the retention of the facade which has some architectural significance in the context of the streets scale. The work involved in the restoration of the interior of the building, which is infested with dry rot and damp, to meet with the Department's requirement would be troublesome and expensive. Nevertheless proposals in this respect have been submitted recently to the Department for consideration.
Would the Minister not agree that what he has just said has proved the necessity to have this matter raised here? This building was vacated over 18 months ago and the Department have not yet decided which Department are responsible. The Minister is attempting to pin it down to the Minister for Justice. Would he say whether or not the Minister for Justice has put definite proposals to his Department for work to be carried out which is urgent? If he has, is it proposed to do anything about it or will it be put on the long finger?
The Department of Justice have requested that the building be restored to provide accommodation for their welfare service.
What has the Minister done about it? Had he ever seen the file before this question was put down? Has he made any effort to try to ensure that this work will be carried out?
It is under consideration at present.
Is there any money available to do the work in 1980? The Minister knows he either has the money or he has not.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Cutting out all the codology about this, would the Minister say if in fact there is money available to carry out the necessary work or is that money available for the work to be done now? Yes or no?
The work will be done as soon as possible.
If it is as soon as possible under the present administration I am afraid——
The Minister would merit the Nobel Prize. Give him £100,000.
Order, please. Would the Deputies be more attentive?