I have notice from Senator Charlie McDonald that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House to-day, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The impending dismissal of 130 young agricultural science graduates without notice by the Department of Finance and the Land Tax Office, despite these officers having contracts of employment.
I regard the matter as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and it will be taken at the conclusion of business.
I circulated to each Senator a copy of the letter I received from Mr Scully, Commissioner of Public Works, in relation to the work being carried out in the Seanad Chamber.
I am putting this letter on the record of the House by reading it now.
Senator P. Reynolds, |
OIFIG NA nOIBREACHA POIBLÍ, |
Cathaoirleach an tSeanad, |
(Office of Public Works) |
Tithe an Oireachtais, |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 2. |
Baile Átha Cliath 2. |
(Dublin 2). |
Dear Cathaoirleach,
We have, as you are aware, specially engaged an expert firm of consultants to advise as to how we should proceed in regard to the works that are required in the Senate Chamber.
It will be some time before we have received the full report of the consultants but, even on the basis of a preliminary examination by them, our worst fears have been confirmed. This is not merely the elimination of dry rot. There are serious structural problems which have been inherent in the building for many decades and which have only now come to light as a result of the stripping of the plaster.
Clearly, our initial hopes that the remedial work would be completed by October, 1987 will not now be realised. I can give no indication at this stage as to when the work will be completed but it would seem advisable to expect that it will take a long time. I hope to be in a position to indicate to you just how long when I have received a further report from the consultants.
Yours sincerely,
B.P. SCULLY,
Commissioner.