Enda Kenny
Question:5 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of visitors to Government Buildings since these were opened to the public; the security measures dealing with entrance by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Visitors to Government Buildings.
The public tours of Government Buildings commenced on 6 June 1992. To date, approximately 15,500 people have availed of these tours and I am very pleased with this response.
With ongoing advice and support from the Garda Síochána, appropriate security measures are in place. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be of benefit to describe these in detail.
I am satisfied that all possible care is taken to secure Government Buildings.
The late Noel Lemass would probably ask the Taoiseach how many people over 45 were part of the 15,000 people and where were they from. I would like to clarify a matter and afford the Taoiseach the opportunity to deny what are probably erroneous newspaper reports. During the summer there were media reports of an incident where a helicopter was alleged to have landed in Government Buildings on a Saturday morning with personnel who might not have been involved in Government business. The Taoiseach may not recall the incident but it was reported in a newspaper. Will the Taoiseach clarify that Government Buildings are not open to anybody — except perhaps the Taoiseach — on Saturday mornings and that any such allegations are false?
I have a vague recollection of the report to which the Deputy refers. I will check the details with Deputy Kenny later. The helicopter pad on the roof of Government Buildings is for the use of myself or other members of the Government who may avail of it from time to time. By and large it is used by myself, except in rare circumstances.
Have members of the Garda Síochána been among the visitors to Government Buildings in recent times and, if so, what progress have they made with inquiring into whether leaks are coming from his office?
That is a separate matter, Deputy.
Do official guides give general tours and outline the history of the building? Deputies may recall that Paddy Cullagh, during his years of service here, depending on the group he was showing around, had a biased view of what happened. Are these people Government tourist guides and is the same description of the buildings given to everybody?
The descriptions are unbiased. The tour of Government Buildings includes the courtyard, entrance hall, ceremonial staircase, including the stained glass windows, the Taoiseach's office, the Government meeting room, the Cabinet room and conference rooms. There are guides who explain the historical backgrounds of the building.
Are people given tea and bouns?
There is no bar, no tea and no buns.
Is it in order to ask the Taoiseach whether, following the departure of the previous Taoiseach from Government Buildings, the letter H on the helipad was replaced with the letter R?
AR instead of JR.