Vol. 434 No. 2
128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the proposals he has for the taking into charge by the Office of Public Works of Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare; whether it is proposed to retain all existing staff and services, including restaurants at the house; when it is expected that the new administration will take over; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when Castletown House in Celbridge, County Kildare, will be taken over by the Office of Public Works; the expansion plans, if any, that are proposed; if it is intended to allow present operations such as the restaurant to continue; if such operations will continue without interruption; if staff will be employed with unbroken service after the takeover; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I will take Questions Nos. 128 and 131 together.
Ownership of Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare will be transferred from the Castletown Foundation to the Office of Public Works on 1 January 1994 subject to funds being made available from the European Regional Development Fund to carry out restoration works.
The Office of Public Works will assume responsibility for the management of the property on that date and in the interim period are reviewing the position relating to operational plans, services and staffing. The position of existing staff will of course receive every consideration.
