asked the Minister for Finance the results of the boring survey in Skerries Harbour, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skerries Harbour Survey.
34.
The boring investigations are advanced but not sufficiently so to enable proposals to be formulated. I should explain that there has been, unfortunately, a hitch because of a breakdown in the Commissioners' drilling equipment. To minimise delay in the investigation, arrangements are being made to have the work completed by contract.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say when the breakdown in the Office of Public Works equipment took place, how long ago?
If the Deputy is anxious to obtain full details about the breakdown of the equipment, I am sure that if he addresses a separate question to the Minister, he will be delighted to give him all possible information. It is not unusual for equipment of this type to break down occasionally. I would inform the Deputy that the boring plant broke down in August, 1975, and that it is being overhauled.
I simply asked when did it break down.
August, 1975.
Why was it necessary to have a separate question in view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary had the details?
I understood the Deputy was seeking further information concerning every detail of the breakdown. As the Deputy knows, boring plant of this kind is not considered common or usual equipment. For that reason, when there is a breakdown it causes considerable delay to the Office of Public Works.
I merely wanted to find out when the breakdown took place.