asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry why a house (details supplied) in Dungarvan, County Waterford, the property of the Board of Works, is being allowed to fall into disrepair, resulting in a loss of thousands of pounds to the tax-payers.

The house in question, the property of my Department, became vacant when the occupying forester purchased alternative accommodation. It is expected to dispose of it in the very near future.

Does the Minister know that I put the same question down to the Minister of State in charge of the Board of Works last week and he gave me an entirely different answer? He said that the house in question was being converted into offices.

I gave the Deputy the correct information.

Is the Minister calling the other Minister a liar?

The house is being sold in effect to the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and the sale has now been concluded and arrangements made between the two Departments concerned. I do agree that there was a legitimate cause of annoyance in that area.

The Minister does agree?

I do agree, and again thanks to the power of the Parliamentary Question I took action on foot of the question being put down and the action is now practically finalised owing to the sale to another Government Department.

Does the Minister agree that, as well as the nuisance created, thousands of pounds have been lost?

I do, and I put that point of view very forcibly to all the officials concerned in the matter.