asked the Minister for Finance when he or his Department officially informed Dublin Corporation of the decision of the Government to provide for additional time for archaeological excavations on the Wood Quay site, in Dublin.

The Commissioners of Public Works informed Dublin Corporation of the decision of the Government regarding Wood Quay by telephone on 27 September 1978.

Was that communication considered adequate at the time? Was it communicated subsequently in writing?

The Government made their decision on 27 September. We had discussions on that day and that afternoon the media were informed. The following day I informed Dublin Corporation.

Do I take it that the extension period contained in that information is seven weeks dated from 6 October?

That is right.

Will the amount of time mentioned by the Minister be sufficient to allow for a complete excavation of the site?

That is a separate question.

I should like to know if the Government decision to allow additional time is subject to review and if at the end of the period mentioned by the Minister the time allowed could be extended indefinitely?

That has no bearing on the question before me. People got ample opportunity yesterday to try to establish an excuse for themselves as to why they are now changing their minds.

Arising out of that last rhetorical reply from the Minister, I should like to ask him if he could, in view of the time involved in yesterday's discussion, answer the questions I put to him yesterday which he did not answer?

Yesterday's questions do not arise today.

The Minister of State, who has more experience in this House than I have, dragged in yesterday's reply today. Arising out of his reply, I am asking him to clarify the very simple question we all want to know: is the seven-week period the end of the story or is it seven weeks in which the Government will reconsider the matter?

I stated in my reply yesterday that that matter would be considered then.

Therefore it is open. Thank you.

Arising from the Minister of State's reply, am I to take it that the Government informed Dublin Corporation by telephone only?

The Commissioners of Public Works.

Is this to be the normal Government practice in such cases?

We considered that this was within our rights because we had long discussions. I fail to understand why we are talking about one day's notice when this matter has been going on since 1968.

I want to ascertain why this unusual method of informing a local authority was used in this case.

It was in order.

I want the Minister of State to tell me if the telephone conversation was subsequently followed by a written communication.

No.

Does this mean that Dublin Corporation do not have any formal record other than the telephone conversation?

Dublin Corporation are satisfied with these communications.

That is not true.

I am asking if Dublin Corporation have any formal communication other than the telephone call? Is that the correct position at the moment?

Yes, and they are satisfied.

During the period of additional time decided upon by the Government, will consultations proceed with all the bodies listed by the Minister of State yesterday.

As I mentioned yesterday, the Government's decision will be taken after consultation with Dublin Corporation.

Consultations will continue during the initial period?

I understand that consultations have been taking place between the Office of Public Works and Dublin Corporation since 1968.

I am talking about the most recent discussions.