asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of a communication (details supplied) which was received by the Whips of the political parties in the Dáil; why, as a consequence, all catering facilities were withdrawn from members of the Houses of the Oireachtas on Friday, 13 March, 1981; and if he will ensure that this kind of incident does not recur.
Written Answers. - Oireachtas Catering Facilities.
167.
I am aware of the communication about a ban on overtime received by the party Whips from the craftsmen in the central heating station. The ban was not however the cause of the withdrawal of catering facilities on Friday, 13 March, as stated by the Deputy. The withdrawal was due to the fact that a small leak in the calorifier which was scheduled for repair during the Easter recess became much worse on 10 March and the first opportunity available, that is on Friday the 13 March when the Dáil was not in session, had to be taken to close down the plant and repair it. I can assure you that every effort possible is made to avoid the closing down of the catering facilities.