asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the recent appointments of further Ministers of State, he would allay the anxiety and fears of the staff and students of the National College of Art and Design over the suggested further encroachment by the Oireachtas on office spaces in the college.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National College of Art and Design.
48.
There has been no encroachment on the College of Art by any Department for office accommodation. Arrangements are in hand to carry out an architectural survey of the College of Art premises with a view to preparing plans for the use of the buildings as additional accommodation for the Oireachtas on vacation of the college by the staff and student body.
Have the College of Art authorities as yet made any arrangements for moving? Also, have they consulted with the Board of Works and with the Department of Education on this matter?
I understand that they have been making arrangements and have rented several premises to meet their expanded needs. The actual rehousing of the college is a matter for the board of the college. I understand that they have been actively pursuing the possibility of a move to alternative premises.
In view of the clear understanding on the part——
I should say I understand that they have specific premises in mind and I believe they are proceeding in the matter.
Would the Minister use his good offices to impress on the board the need for a final decision on their part because the Houses of the Oireachtas were due around Easter—it has now been postponed until June—to take over their premises? We are anxious that there be no undue delay without unduly imposing on the college.
I am conscious of the problem to which the Deputy refers and I will convey his feelings to the college authorities.