asked the Minister for Social Welfare when his Department first received proposals for the reconstruction or redecoration of the Gardiner Street employment exchange, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Exchanges.
45.
No proposals have been received for the reconstruction of Gardiner Street employment exchange.
The Office of Public Works carries out periodic renovation and redecoration, as required.
I presume the Deputy has in mind the recent complaints by the staff about the Gardiner Street building. The position in this respect is that representations from the staff were received in March 1977 and, while a number of more urgent minor works were done in the meantime, the main contract for total redecoration was placed on 13 September 1978. This is due for completion on 15 December 1978.
46.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of complaints from the staff of employment exchanges concerning the condition of their places of employment; and the steps he intends to take to bring about improvements.
I am aware of such complaints from the staff in respect of certain employment exchanges.
I have already initiated a special programme for the renovation of unsatisfactory accommodation and for the provision of new accommodation including new exchanges in local areas in the outer city.
Under this programme, the Office of Public Works have got necessary improvement works in progress in a number of exchanges and more are planned.
The Office of Public Works have also acquired a number of additional premises in Dublin which are being adapted to relieve overcrowding in existing premises as quickly as possible.
They have also acquired one site in Dublin in recent weeks and are in negotiation in relation to a number of other possible sites throughout the suburbs.
I propose to have system-built buildings erected urgently in a number of areas in the course of the coming year and to follow up these with the provision of permanent specially designed buildings.