asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the purpose for which it is proposed to use the grounds and buildings of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, and (b) whether any applications were made to the present or previous Government in this connection, and, if so, the nature of the decisions issued.

No decision has yet been made regarding the future use of this property.

Has there been any application at any time from the Dublin Corporation to use the building, and if there has been could the Parliamentary Secretary say if it will be considered?

From inquiries made by the Commissioners of Public Works, it was learned that a number of Departments are interested in the future use of the property and suggestions were made by them which are still under consideration. As far as I am aware, no application has been made for the use of the building for non-Government purposes. It was suggested at one time that they might be used as a home for old people but the idea was dropped mainly on the ground of the cost.

Was there ever an application by the Dublin Corporation for the use of part of the building for office accommodation of which the corporation are very short?

My information is that there was not.

I wonder if the Parliamentary Secretary would be good enough to make further inquiries on the matter because I am satisfied that he is not aware representations were made by the Dublin Corporation to the Board of Works for the use of part of this building and that the representations were turned down. At least the corporation were told there was no chance of getting it.

My information is that no such application was ever made. However, I shall make inquiries.