asked the Minister for Finance if he will state approximately how many persons, civil servants and others, have their place of employment within the precincts of Dublin Castle, and whether it is a fact that most of the buildings in which these persons work are unsuitable for use as offices and are expensive to maintain in a healthy and habitable condition because of structural decay and unsoundness; and further, if in view of the growing unemployment amongst those workers who are usually employed on large-scale building works in the city, he will instruct the Commissioners of Public Works to call for tenders for the reconstruction of the unsound and unsuitable buildings in accordance with the plans which it is understood the Fianna Fáil Government instructed the commissioners to prepare so far back as 1946.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Unsuitable Buildings.
There are at present approximately 1,600 persons, civil servants and others, employed within the precincts of Dublin Castle.
The buildings comprised in the castle outside the State apartments are, in the main, a heterogeneous collection of early 19th century structures, including a military barracks, coach houses, stables, etc., which have been converted for use as office accommodation. Most of them are unsuitable for use as permanent premises for Government Departments, being expensive to light, heat and maintain in proper condition.
As regards the final part of the Deputy's question, tenders for reconstruction works could not be invited until certain buildings which are at present occupied had been vacated and demolished. Alternative accommodation for the staffs concerned is not at present available and will not be easy to secure.
Is the Minister aware that the River Poddle flows under thecastle buildings and is continuing to undermine them; and further, if the Government has been made aware of the dangerous condition of those buildings by the Revenue Commissioners, why has nothing been done about it?
Would the Minister consider giving those people extended holidays?
The position, apparently, is that the Deputy is correct, that some of these buildings are being undermined and, in pursuance of that, a decision was reached in 1946 to reconstruct certain of the buildings which were regarded as dangerous and unhealthy. I understand, however, that in 1948 a Government decision was taken which prevented the reconstruction of the buildings in question.
I wish to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment. If we cannot get a satisfactory reply, the corporation will have to condemn these buildings as unsafe and unsound.
Will the Minister be good enough to say what are the buildings in the precincts of Dublin Castle which are described as insanitary and subject to condemnation by the public health authority?
If the Deputy will put down that question, I will give him a precise and full answer.
I assume, in the light of the Minister's reply to Deputy Briscoe, that he has the particulars on his desk before him inasmuch as he confirms Deputy Briscoe's apprehension. I would be grateful if, in his gracious courtesy, he would allow other Deputies to share in that information so that they might give him the benefit of their opinion as to whether the buildings are reasonably described as Deputy Briscoe appears to apprehend that they are.
I know them to be as described.
I know some of these buildings in Dublin Castle occupied by Government servants and, while they are not up to 20th century standards ofconvenience, to describe them as fit for condemnation on the ground that they are insanitary seems to me to be quite crazy.
If they were not Government buildings the public health authority would have long since condemned some of them.
As what?
As unfit for human use.
I know some of them very well.