asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay by the Office of Public Works in the provision of a site for a new labour exchange at Limerick; if he is aware that staff at Limerick labour exchange are working in outmoded Dickensian 19th century conditions, that they have been repeatedly promised a new labour exchange and that the present industrial dispute by the staff will result in serious disruption and inconvenience to people dependent on social welfare after 28 October; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Limerick New Labour Exchange.
273.
The Commissioners of Public Works were not in a position to purchase the site on which it is intended to construct the new employment exchange until title to the site was established by the vendor. It was also necessary for the Commissioners to negotiate for the purchase of an additional area of land adjoining the site so that conditions imposed by Limerick Corporation in relation to off-street car parking could be complied with. These negotiations have been successfully concluded and subject to satisfactory proof of title being provided by the vendor the Commissioners intend to purchase the site very early in 1987 and to commence construction of the new exchange during that year.
In view of the proposal to purchase the site and commence construction work I hope that the industrial action will be suspended.