asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied that conditions in Eglinton Street Garda station, Galway are suitable for members of the Garda Síochána and the public.

10.

asked the Minister for Justice the present position regarding the provision of a new Garda station in Galway city.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

It is intended to erect a new station on the present site in Eglinton Street involving the demolition of the present accommodation in stages. This is a major project which will not be completed for some years. In the meantime, proposals for the carrying out of an interim improvement scheme have been approved and the Office of Public Works has been requested to arrange to have the work carried out as quickly as possible.

I am delighted to hear what the Minister has to say about the improvements. Is the Minister aware that, in the station at Galway, the day-room facilities in particular are those which are most worrying because the day-room is the area which is used most often in all garda stations and in Galway its dimensions are 13 feet by 11 feet. In that seven gardaí and up to ten members of the public are supposed to operate at one time, together with a telex machine, two-way radio equipment and several telephones. Would the Minister agree that that is a totally unsatisfactory condition in any major city, indeed in any garda station throughout the country?

Of course, I agree and, as I have indicated to the Deputy, plans have now been completed to improve the position and the Office of Public Works have been requested to have the work carried out as quickly as possible. The work will cover the conversion of some old married quarters to provide an enlarged public office and a separate general office, which would meet the precise point raised by the Deputy.

In his reply the Minister said that it is proposed to build a new station in stages. Could he give any idea at this time when we may expect this work to commence?

I am not in a position to give any indication of a timetable for a new station but I would not expect a new station to be finally completed and occupied sooner than, say, over five years. That would be a rough timetable.

Is the Minister aware that this building was burned down by the party opposite in 1922 and now they are looking for a new building?

That is not an appropriate question.