asked the Minister for Finance if he will state, in response to representations from the Ceann Comhairle, as Chairman of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, to the Office of Public Works for the provision of a large measure of extra accommodation as a matter of special urgency, the specific action it is intended to take now to deal with the grossly overcrowded and inadequate accommodation for all Deputies in Leinster House.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leinster House Accommodation.
28.
Approximately 15,000 square feet of office space has been provided for the Oireachtas in the Setanta Building, Kildare Street. The second floor of Leinster House has also recently been refurbished for use by Deputies.
There is no further space within the confines of Leinster House and there is no vacant accommodation in the vicinity which could be allocated to the Oireachtas.
I am having the position examined as a matter of urgency to see what action can be taken which would result in additional space becoming available.
The Ceann Comhairle has been advised of the up-to-date position in the matter.
Is the Minister aware of the almost unanimous unhappiness of Members of the Oireachtas at the very bad working conditions which undoubtedly have an effect on the quality of work carried out by Deputies? Will the Minister ensure that improvements will be brought about very soon by whatever methods and by allocating whatever finance is necessary?
I am sure the Deputy is fully aware——
All I am aware of is that I am working in the corner of a room and I have to share the telephone with four other people.
Does the Deputy want me to answer the question?
I am sorry.
I am sure the Deputy is aware that every available space in the House is being used. We try to facilitate Deputies as far as possible. We are talking about a long-term solution now. There is no space available here. We will have to look at other buildings in the complex for a solution to the problem. We have done everything within our power to find space within this House to no avail.
Will the Minister favourably consider the possibility of acquiring the College of Art premises for an extension to Leinster House in view of the fact that there are proposals to provide a new College of Art in Morehampton Road which should be gone ahead with? By using the College of Art premises the Oireachtas Library could be linked with the National Library thereby enabling us to have an arrangement like that which exists in most legislatures whereby Deputies can use facilities of the National Library.
There is no need for the Deputy to make a speech when he gets up to ask a question.
I am considering all possibilities at the moment and I am awaiting a report on the matter. I hope to have the report available within a short time.
Would the Minister hold out any prospect of effecting a permanent improvement in the climate of the House, in the temperature?
There is a separate question down on that.
I accept what the Minister says about the constraints on space. When can we expect, through the normal channels, a detailed assessment of the available space? How soon can we know what is available and the time constraints on the various bits of floor space available?
I am preparing a report at the moment. I appreciate the Deputy's position. We are talking about a long-term solution. I cannot see any short-term solution to the problem.
When can we expect the report? I accept that the solution may take some time.
I have asked officials in my Department to expedite the report.
Can we expect it within a month or six weeks?
I would hate to tie it down. When we talk about occupying a building we must find another building for the people who already occupy the building. Let us say two months.
(Interruptions.)
In relation to a matter which is more urgent, would the Minister speak to his colleague, the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, in an effort to get settlement between the telephone technicians and the Department of Posts and Telegraphs?
That has no relevance.
We are dealing with the conditions under which Ministers and Deputies work. It is utterly impossible——
There is no way that the Deputy can raise an irrelevant matter.
——to make telephone calls, particularly to parts of Donegal. This is a matter of immediate urgency.