asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of complaints from the staff of employment exchanges concerning the condition of their places of employment; and the steps he intends to take to bring about improvements.

I am aware of such complaints from the staff in respect of certain employment exchanges.

I have already initiated a special programme for the renovation of unsatisfactory accommodation and for the provision of new accommodation including new exchanges in local areas in the outer city.

Under this programme, the Office of Public Works have got necessary improvement works in progress in a number of exchanges and more are planned.

The Office of Public Works have also acquired a number of additional premises in Dublin which are being adapted to relieve overcrowding in existing premises as quickly as possible.

They have also acquired one site in Dublin in recent weeks and are in negotiation in relation to a number of other possible sites throughout the suburbs.

I propose to have system-built buildings erected urgently in a number of areas in the course of the coming year and to follow up these with the provision of permanent specially designed buildings.