Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 8

Written Answers. - Four Courts Bar Library.

Alan Shatter

Question:

82 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the arrangements which are in place with regard to the use of the Bar library in the Four Courts building by members of the Bar of Ireland; if he will outline (a) the annual rental payments, if any, made for the use of the Bar library and adjoining facilities, (b) the date when any such arrangements were entered into, (c) whether any rental payment is made, (d) the last occasion when this was reviewed or varied and (e) the next occasion upon which such review will take place.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. N. Treacy)

The terms and conditions under which the Law library, which has been located in the Four Courts since about 1830, is currently used by the General Council of the Bar of Ireland are set out in two agreements with the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland dated 31 July 1968 and 1 April 1987. These agreements provide for the payment by the council of a nominal rent and also require the council to contribute towards the cost of the provision of services. The commissioners have no plans to review or vary the terms of the agreements. The day-to-day use of the premises is of course a matter for the council.