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.