asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of the period since the present Taoiseach (a) the assumed office as Taoiseach (a) the physical alterations, if any, that have been made to his Department, (b) the new furniture and furnishings that have been ordered and (c) the cost of any such alterations and furniture and furnishings.
Written Answers. - Taoiseach's Department.
100.
The work being carried out in the Taoiseach's Department forms part of the ongoing refurbishment scheme for the entire North Block, Government Buildings, which commenced in April 1979.
The scheme consists of the complete redecoration of all floors, renewal of electrical wiring and fittings, installation of a new lift, improvement of toilets, subdivision of rooms and removal or replacement of floor coverage and furniture.
Since 12 December 1979 (the date the Taoiseach assumed office) the following works were initiated:— the provision of dining facilities in two rooms with adjacent toilet and cloakroom, re-allocation of a room for use as a communications room, furnishing of a room for conference use and subdivision of a room for interviews. Standard office furniture generally is being provided with the addition of a dining table and chairs and side units.
The expenditure on the portion of the North Block occupied by the Taoiseach's Department is not separately recorded. The estimated extra cost of the works initiated since 12 December 1979 is £11,500 plus an approximate figure of £2,000 for furniture and furnishings.