asked the Minister for Finance if he will take urgent steps to remove the greenmoss from the front of the National Museum, Dublin.

Some of the stonework on the facade of the National Museum will have to be renewed and it is hoped to tackle this work within the next few years.

In the meantime, the possibility of carrying out some cleaning which will not cause further damage to the stonework will be considered.

I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that when this moss is allowed to persist it can damage the stonework considerably?

This is a very slow process and this has gone on for the last 20 years. If it goes one or two years more it will not do any extra damage.

Has the Parliamentary Secretary cleaned up any buildings since taking office?

None, other than the banks.

During my term of office I will see to that building.