asked the Minister for Finance whether the underground air-raid shelters situated near Government Buildings and Leinster House and at the Custom House have been removed or demolished; and, if so, when and for what reason.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air-Raid Shelters.
Major de Valera
Pursuant to a general decision arrived at in 1946, steps were taken for the removal of shelters and other air-raid precaution works for which a peacetime use could not be found. The shelters in the lawn of the Custom House were removed in that year by the Dublin Corporation, by whom they were originally constructed. The removal of the Leinster Lawn shelters was deferred for some time pending consideration of their possible use for peace-time purposes. No such purpose suggested itself, and opportunity was taken this year of the erection of the Collins-Griffith-O'Higgins memorial, and the improvement of the layout of Leinster Lawn generally, to remove the shelters.
Major de Valera
I addressed this question to the Minister for Defence. Could the Parliamentary Secretary explain how he happens to be answering it?
The Chair is responsible for deciding to which Minister questions are addressed.
The Deputy must have addressed it to the wrong Minister.
Major de Valera
The Minister for Finance suggests that I addressed it to the wrong Minister. Am I to take it that the Minister for Defence has no interest in whether air-raid shelters are to be removed or not at present?
The Minister for Defence cannot direct the Chair.
Was the Department of Defence consulted before this shelter was demolished?
It was in 1945 or 1946 that the order was given. Ask your colleague.
Major de Valera
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary was this question referred to him by the Department of Defence and not by the Ceann Comhairle?
No.
Major de Valera
Are you sure? We will check on it.
Did the Department of Defence approve of the demolition of this shelter by the Department of Finance? Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if he sought and obtained approval from the Department of Defence before his Department proceeded to demolish this shelter?
It was in 1947 that the decision was taken.
Major de Valera
Is there any coordination between the various Departments on this question?
That does not arise out of this question.
We do not know what happened in 1947.
Mr. Boland
It is a very important question now, in view of the world circumstances. You may laugh away, but it is no laughing matter. Other countries are spending millions on civil defence.
Let the General speak.