John Browne
Ceist:12 Mr. Browne (Carlow/Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Finance when he proposes to give the go ahead for the replacement of prefabricated buildings by a permanent structure at the tax office in Kilkenny.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilkenny Tax Office.
It is accepted that permanent accommodation will be provided for all the Revenue staff in Kilkenny and that this should be done as soon as possible. A timetable for the provision of permanent accommodation is being drawn up.
(Carlow/Kilkenny): Does the Minister agree that prefabs are not fit for human habitation? The prefabricated buildings have been occupied for 15 years. There are 40 people involved who deal with the public. Promises were made in 1975 and in 1980 that something would be done as soon as was possible. Will the Minister say when something will be done?
I agree that prefabs are unsuitable accommodation. It is the intention to provide alternative accommodation. Revenue have accommodation in three areas in Kilkenny, on Jail Road, The Parade and Patrick Street. It is the intention to bring all the staff of the Revenue Commissioners together in the one accommodation. About a month ago I received a brief from the Revenue Commissioners as to their requirements in Kilkenny, and that is at present being examined by the Office of Public Works and the Revenue Commissioners.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): In 1975 these people were promised they would have proper buildings by 1980, and in 1987, which was a significant year, they were promised they would have the buildings by 1990. It is outrageous that people are expected to provide a service to the public in prefabricated buildings for that length of time. The same is the case in education. These prefabricated buildings are only fit for breeding rabbits or rearing pets in the summertime.
I support Deputy Browne in this matter. Could the Minister give an indication as to when work will start in relation to the promised decentralisation office in Kilkenny city? I know that preliminary work has been carried out in recent months. Perhaps the Minister would indicate when the work will commence and when he will be in a position to announce that the Department will be located there, in addition to the tax office which is being relocated to these new offices?
We are having repetition.
The Deputy has raised a further point in relation to a Government decision which has designated Kilkenny as a location for decentralisation of Government offices. Kilkenny has been earmarked for the relocation of Government offices but no decision has been made at this stage as to what Department will be located there. Certainly when we get an indication of the requirements in the office, we will speedily progress with the matter.
This year or next year?
The Deputy will be aware that work is well advanced in the other decentralisation locations. What we would like to do — this may not be satisfactory from the point of view of the Revenue Commissioners — is embark on an overall scheme which would involve the relocation of staff and the decentralisation of another Department, as well as the provision of accommodation. That may well delay the plans rather than expedite them. As I have said, we have recently received a brief from the Revenue Commissioners as to their requirements. We have a site on the Callan Road, as I am sure the Deputies are aware. While I am not prepared to give any specific dates here, I will certainly endeavour to expedite the matter.