asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will state the intention of his Department regarding the preservation or disposal of disused workhouses in the Saorstát, and whether, in view of the fact that the majority of such buildings are in a very poor state of repair and are deteriorating in value, he will cause a decision with reference to such buildings to be expedited.

The intentions of the Department are conditioned by the location of the buildings referred to. Several of them have been utilised for public purposes. It is hoped that when the Commission on the Poor Law will have reported it will be settled definitely whether any of those which remain unoccupied will be required for institutional purposes.

Could the Minister say when the report of the Commission on Poor Law will be available or when this decision will be made?

I could not say.