I have something here from the Office of Public Works with regard to the rapairs. It reads:
Following extensive opening up of the fabric of the building from first to attic floor level and as a result of detailed survey and calculations by our structural engineers we are advised that the faults are of a more complex character than originally feared. It is futile to attempt to stabilize the existing walls and beams as we had hoped.
The engineers recommend the following programmed approach to tackle the problem:-
1. Provide temporary support for massive timber roof trusses.
2. Repair the trusses.
3. Demolish a large part of the north gable over chamber recess.
4. Provide new beam and walling over demolished north gable in the vicinity of the attic space.
5. Re-build the damaged gable wall.
6. Repair ceiling timbers.
7. Reinstate decorative plaster work.
8. Redecorate the entire chamber.
The engineers are currently engaged in preparation of detailed plans and documentation to enable execution of the reconstruction and repair works. They will supply a breakdown of time scales and costings and the OPW will make these available to Seanad Members.
The reconstruction work will have to be done mainly by a specialised contractor. If he is to have the work completed by October, 1987, he will be required to work after hours and at weekends as well as on those weekdays when the Seanad is not in session. The cost of the overtime will be written into the contract. On top of this, there will be extra hours to be worked by Leinster House supervisory and security staff but, of course, until the details are received from the Structural Engineers it is too early to give you definite information as to what is required in this report.
I told Members of the Seanad that I would keep them informed of the position and that we would have the report this week. We have it and that is the situation.