I move:
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £15,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1994, for the salaries and expenses of the Department of the Taoiseach, and for payment of grants and a grant-in-aid.
We were all appalled at the stupid and insensitive bomb attack on the Linenhall Library at the New Year which almost ended in disaster. The Linenhall Library contains a priceless part of the heritage of the whole island of Ireland. Its foundation was linked to some of the Belfast founders of the United Irishmen. It is a symbol, one of the most important historical collections on this island. Fortunately, nothing of irreplaceable value was touched by the fire, although I understand it was a very close miss. Nevertheless, there was significant damage.
As a gesture of goodwill and a contribution to help the Linenhall Library to repair the damage, replace books and, above all, develop its services my office contacted the Librarian, Mr. John Gray. This contribution represents a gesture of goodwill and solidarity by the people in this part of Ireland with one of the finest old Belfast institutions at a moment when its very survival was threatened.