asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the necessary money to enable the Board of Works to have the exterior of Cork G.P.O. cleaned as the condition of this building is very bad and is reducing the standing of this important trading centre.

A contract has recently been placed for the external painting of the Cork post office. The cleaning of the stonework is not included in this contract as work of this nature cannot be regarded as coming within the category of urgent maintenance requirements upon which expenditure is permitted by the regulations at present in force. It will be undertaken when a suitable opportunity presents itself at the conclusion of the emergency.