asked the Minister for Finance the cost of erecting two new traffic barries at the entrances to Leinster House; if there are any plans for further expenditure on such devices at other locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leinster House Traffic Barriers.
41.
Mr. Kenny
The cost of installing the security barriers at the entrances to Leinster House is £19,500 approximately.
Consideration is at present being given to the provision of another barrier at the entrance to the South Road, Government Buildings.
I have no requests to have security barriers of this kind installed at any other location.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied as to the efficiency of these barriers and their general appearance?
Mr. Kenny
I think they look all right. Remember, these are for security purpose and appearances should not enter into it when it is a question of security.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it is possible to meet the necessary security requirements without the garish colours in which these barriers are painted at present? Would he not agree that in their appearance they are completely out of keeping with the dignified appearance of this House at both entrances? Is he also aware that in the opinion of a number of Deputies because of their construction these barriers are quite dangerous, in fact?
Mr. Kenny
The colouring of the berriers is a matter of personal opinion. If they are adequate for security I do not see how we can remove them now that they have been installed?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that a number of Deputies regard these things simply as monstrosities and that the same security purpose could be fulfilled in 100 different and more desirable ways? If he is not prepared to consider their immediate removal, as being undesirable and unattractive and taking from the general appearance of this institution, would he at least consider having them painted in some neutral colour so that they will not obtrude so dreadfully on the eye as they do at present?
Mr. Kenny
They are painted that colour for the benefit of motorists who might be short-sighted.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary suggesting that Deputies are short-sighted?
Mr. Kenny
If we had a camouflage colouring on them, how do we know that some motorist might not back into them?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that I have 20: 20 vision and I have already driven over the barrier. In case the Parliamentary Secretary thinks this is some sort of Opposition criticism, a very distinguished member of the Labour Party proceeded to follow me in rapid succession in driving over the barrier.
It is like the hunting field.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us an assurance about the functioning of these barriers which is much more important than the colour. There is a danger that the air pressure may fail and Deputies may not be able to get into the House for a division or something like that. Their malfunctioning is more important than anything else. As the Parliamentary Secretary knows, they have failed on a few occasions. This could have very serious consequences.
Mr. Kenny
To my knowledge they have not failed up to this.
They have failed on two occasions that I am aware of.
Mr. Kenny
Already?
Yes. The air pressure failed and they could not be operated.
Mr. Kenny
That is news to me.
They damaged a car on one occasion.
Mr. Kenny
Your car?
No another Deputy's car.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider removing them and putting up an old fashioned drawbridge with a moat?
Sir Galahad.
What the Parliamentary Secretary wants is a portcullis.
Mr. Kenny
A drawbridge. I think Deputy Haughey is tilting at windmills.