asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider opening Portumna Castle as a tourist amenity during 1983 and re-employing the three persons who maintained this building and who are now receiving social welfare benefit at a cost to the State equal to that of their income while employed by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Portumna (Galway) Castle .
606.
: The castle itself cannot be opened to the public for safety reasons as work to window and door opes is in progress. The gardens will, however, be open from June to September 1983. Any staff necessary for this activity will be recruited through the National Manpower Service and former Office of Public Works employees, if registered, will no doubt be considered.