Vol. 440 No. 7
104 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance whether public offices serving the public under the auspices of his Department are open through lunch; if not, the length of time they are closed during lunch time; and his views on whether lunch time would be the most convenient time to call for many members of the public.
In so far as my Department and the Offices under my aegis are concerned, the position is as follows: Department of Finance — The Paymaster General's Office is the only public office in this Department. This office comprises of two sections; banking section and pensions' section. Banking section is open to the public at lunch hour. Pensions' section is closed for lunch from 12.45 p.m. to 2.15. p.m. Ombudsman's Office — This office is open to the public during lunch time. Office of Public Works — This office is open to the public during lunch time. Ordnance Survey — This office is open to the public during lunch time. Valuation Office — This office is closed during lunch time for one hour and 15 minutes. However, plans for lunch time opening are well advanced and will be implemented shortly. Civil Service Commission — This office is open to the public at lunch time. Revenue Commissioners — A number of public offices are open during lunch time. Those which still close from 12.45 p.m. to 2 p.m. are under review and a programme is in place to open these offices as resources permit.
In my opinion the current arrangements seem quite satisfactory and I, therefore, envisage no change.
