John Browne
Question:16 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider having a clean-up carried out on the front of Leinster House facing Kildare Street.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Leinster House Clean-up.
The cleaning of the facade of Leinster House facing Kildare Street could only be considered in the overall context of a larger scheme of stone restoration and replacement. The position is currently being investigated by the Office of Public Works.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Does the Minister not agree that the dull appearance of the exterior belies the magnificence of the inside of the building, particularly the Seanad Chamber, and perhaps on a less important note, conveys to the public that the people inside the building are just as dull as the exterior?
A preliminary examination of the facade has shown that much of the stone work is in a very poor condition and extensive replacement and restoration is required. The matter is being investigated further. It may be possible to treat this building in isolation from the National Museum and the National Library which border the building. This matter is being investigated and I will be in touch with the Deputy on a regular basis to keep him informed of developments.
That disposes of questions for today.
I want to express my mystification, a Cheann Comhairle, at your ruling regarding the Private Notice Question I tabled with you today which asked for representations to be made regarding the death sentence imposed on the journalist in Iraq who is due to be executed in a few days time. You ruled the question out of order on the grounds that it lacked urgency. When a journalist is about to be executed in a few days time——
I have conveyed my decision in the matter to the Deputy and it is not open to debate in the House now.
I tabled a Private Notice Question in connection with an item on the "The Gay Byrne Show" this morning on prawns which were "glowing". I have made inquiries in the meantime——
Sorry, Deputy Enright, the matter does not arise now.
Send them to Iraq where they will be executed.
The Deputy may put down an ordinary question on the matter and proceed in some other way but my ruling may not be questioned now.
I accept your ruling but I want to make an inquiry. Does the Minister not have any responsibility in regard to food that may be contaminated?
The Deputy will have to raise this matter at another time and in another way.
Does the Minister not have responsibility for food that is contaminated? It is a serious matter and should not be treated in such a light manner.
I am calling Deputy Taylor.
I seek your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of my Private Notice Question which was ruled out of order on the grounds that it lacked urgency.
The Ceann Comhairle's office will communicate with the Deputy in the matter.