asked the Minister for Finance the amount invested by the State in the provision of the National Concert Hall.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Concert Hall.
8.
It is not possible at this stage to give the actual cost of providing the national concert hall because there are still some works outstanding and accounts to be processed. However the final cost is estimated at £3.9 million.
In view of the fact that such an amount of public funds has been spent on this concert hall will the Minister of State consider making arrangements for elected representatives to see what the money was spent on? It appears that every Tom, Dick and Harry who owns a bow tie has been invited to the national concert hall except those who authorised the payment of the funds.
The contractor is still on the site. It is possible that I misunderstood the question and that the Deputy is anxious to assess the amount of work done. It would not be for me to arrange such a visit because, as the Deputy is aware, a board has been appointed to take charge of the concert hall. I will have to consult with that board and I do not know what their response will be. I cannot give an undertaking to arrange such a visit by all Members.
Will the Minister of State consult the board?
I am sure the Deputy will accept that the question does not refer to visitations but to the amount of money invested.
Will the Minister of State accept my congratulations to himself and his predecessor on a very fine hall which was very well executed by the Office of Public Works? I should like the Minister of State to convey the congratulations of the House to the Office of Public Works on the excellent work that has been done on the hall.
I will do that. I am aware that the officials in the Office of Public Works are very proud of the work that has been done by their architects.
I should like to be associated with the comments of Deputy Woods.