§ Mr. BRADYasked whether, seeing that under the legislation of recent years bringing into existence in Ireland new departments and branches of administration, the need of office accommodation for this work is greater now than when the original scheme for buildings for public offices in Upper Merrion Street was decided upon, and that this need is attempted to be met at present by the Board of Works hiring private houses in various parts of Dublin, sections of the staffs of the same office being often separated from each other by several streets, and that the buildings cannot be left in their present half-built state, the Government will proceed now with the completion of this work at a time when employment is badly needed by the working classes of Dublin?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am afraid I have nothing to add to my reply of 26th February.
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe only cost estimated is that of the architect's plans—I think something like £2,000—and not the cost of the buildings. There is considerable doubt whether the buildings as originally arranged will be proceeded with in view of changes which may take place in the future.
§ Mr. BRADYIs it possible that the buildings have not been estimated for? How have they progressed as far as they have gone?
§ Mr. MASTERMANEstimates have been made and money has been voted for the buildings as completed, and a certain section has been completed. The new scheme has not been estimated for, and the money has not been voted by the House.
Captain CRAIGDoes the hon. Gentleman suggest that all building operations are stopped until Home Rule is passed?
§ Mr. NANNETTIAs money is being spent for the purpose of relieving distress in Dublin at present, would it not be better to put this work in hand at once, and give honest labour to those who are in need of it?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf the buildings are wanted there is much in what the hon. Member says, but if they are not wanted it would be waste of money.
§ Mr. BRADYIs it not a fact that the buildings are wanted at present, and that in consequence private houses are being taken all over Dublin, and that officers in a particular department are frequently separated from each other by streets?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Office of Works, I think, are not convinced that the building will be wanted in this particular form.
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am in communication with hon. Gentlemen opposite on the subject.