asked the Minister for Finance the present position concerning the provision of a new concert hall for Dublin.

Because of the serious cost and site considerations involved in this project, I have had certain alternative proposals under examination. I hope this process will be concluded before the end of the year and intend then to place the whole matter before the Government for decision.

Can the Minister say how much has been spent to date?

Approximately £250,000.

Does this include the site at Beggar's Bush?

Yes.

When will the Dáil Committee meet again?

When the decision to which I referred has been made by the Government, I will consider the position arising then and, if it seems appropriate, I shall ask for a meeting of the committee.

While appreciating the Government's interest and concern in respect of the expenditure involved, would the Minister consider convening a meeting of the committee and informing them of whatever decision is reached by the Government in an endeavour to find a common approach to this matter?

As I have indicated, I would consider the desirability of having a meeting of the committee when the Government have made a decision. The committee could then discuss the matter.

Question No. 18.

The Minister mentioned the Beggar's Bush site, but at the last meeting of the all-party committee I understood that there was some question of leaving that site and finding an alternative one. Is that the position?

Like the Deputy, I am speaking now from recollection, but I think he is correct in what he says and that there was discussion of another site at that meeting.

Has that site been disposed of?

No, and lest there be any confusion I wish to make it clear that when I refer to alternative proposals I am not referring to the alternative site which was discussed by the committee at their last meeting.

Is it the proposal that work go ahead on whatever site is decided or is it still Beggar's Bush so far as the site is concerned?

I think we are talking at cross purposes. What I am referring to is an alternative proposal, that is a somewhat different proposal from the one considered by the committee.

Is the Minister referring to the building or to the site?

To both.

Would the Minister not agree there would be an advantage in reaching a definite decision either way on this matter?

I agree.

Has any application been made——

I have called Question No. 18.

——by Dublin Corporation to use the Beggar's Bush site for housing?

That is a separate question.

I know it is but I am interested in the housing problem in Dublin city. We have not anything like that site in Limerick.

The Deputy can rest assured that, even if the site is not used for this purpose, it will not go to waste.

It has been going to waste for a long time now.