asked the Minister, for Finance if he is aware of reports of structural deterioration in Kilmainham Jail and that the condition of the jail may be placing at risk valuable documents and artifacts held in the jail; if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of many of the voluntary workers at the way in which the jail is being run; if he has yet completed the review of the trustees which he stated was under way on November 19 last; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilmainham Jail.
9.
The Office of Public Works are unaware of any structural deterioration at Kilmainham Jail which would present a risk to documents and artifacts held there. They are aware that the boundary walls are in need of attention, and remedial works are proposed.
The Office of Public Works have carried out or are carrying out any maintenance work — mainly to the roofs — which the trustees requested. It is intended to carry out a detailed architectural survey in order to plan the future maintenance of the jail.
The Deed of Trust for Kilmainham Jail allows the Minister for Finance to appoint two trustees. In accordance with this power I intend to nominate Brian Murphy, Principal Officer in my Department, as a trustee.
Could the Minister tell me how many trustees there are altogether and who has the power to nominate or appoint the trustees other than the two he has the power to appoint? Could he also indicate what steps are being taken to prevent deterioration or loss in the case of the many documents that are stored in the jail?
I have not got the number of trustees here but most of them are people who elect their successors to any vacancy arising in their number. Only two trustees are available for appointment by myself. That is really something of a difficulty in terms of the rational, long term planning and management of these premises. I would like to see, as a long-term measure, the management of Kilmainham Jail being integrated with the management of the Royal Hospital which is also at Kilmainham. While they are not the same, they are so close together that it would make a lot of sense to do it that way.
As I said, the Office of Public Works are unaware of any structural deterioration which would present a risk to documents and artifacts held there. I have no further information than that. I would, however, be very concerned about any reports that documents were deteriorating. I made the decision to appoint the official I mentioned only in the past 24 hours and I expect that he will be following up the question of any documents that may have suffered, apart from those endangered by the structure of the building, or suffered for other reasons, as an immediate priority.
In terms of pursuing his stated belief that the management of Kilmainham Jail should be integrated with the management of the Royal Hospital, could he indicate what length of time is left on the lease to the trustees and what steps, if any, he proposes to take either to take over the building when the lease expires or negotiate with the existing trustees the termination of the lease?
I do not have that information here but I expect it is not immediate, because, if it were, it would probably provide a solution to many of the problems. I am sorry I cannot give the information.
What are the prospects for negotiation?
First, I should like to see how things are working out. One of the ways in which that will be achieved is by the appointment I have just made. I would not like to jump to conclusions on the subject but it is a very important question and it is important that we get some things settled once and for all and quite soon as far as Kilmainham Jail is concerned.