asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will relate the events and circumstances which led up to the purchase of the proposed Córas Iompair Éireann bus terminus building by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Bus Terminus.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, this matter has been discussed a number of times already in the House during the debate on the Social Welfare Bill, 1949, since enacted, and on other occasions. It was pointed out then that Córas Iompair Éireann had indicated their intention not to proceed with the completion of the building at Store Street as a central bus terminus and administrative offices. In these circumstances, the property became available for purchase by the Department of Social Welfare, and, as the building suited the urgent need of the Department for more suitable and centralised accommodation for its staff in Dublin, it was decided to buy it from Córas Iompair Éireann.
Could the Minister say whether there were discussions between officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Córas Iompair Éireann on this issue and whether the discussions took place in the offices of the Department of Social Welfare or at Kingsbridge?
I am afraid I would not be able to answer that question. The Minister is not present.
I will put down a separate question on that point.