asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the deplorable state of repair of the Garda station in Carlow and the inhuman conditions under which the gardaí have to work there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

17.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that prisoners urinating in the cells in the Carlow Garda station, do so into an open channel which discharges into a surface drain on the public side walk and when proper facilities will be installed for the people detained.

I propose, with the permission, of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 15 and 17 together.

I am aware that Carlow Garda station is an old building not up to modern standards and that various works are required to it. A tender for a substantial scheme of repairs and improvements, including the provision of new cells with modern toilet accommodation, has been accepted and it is expected that work will commence this month.

Will the Minister confirm the truth or otherwise of the allegation contained in Question No. 17 which asks the Minister if he is aware that prisoners urinating in the cells in the Carlow Garda station do so into an open channel which discharges into a surface drain on the public side walk? The Minister has not commented on whether this is or is not true and I would ask him to do so.

If it is, it has gone back for quite some time. I am telling the Deputy now what I am doing to rectify the matter.

Question No. 17 specifically asks the Minister if this is so but the Minister has chosen to ignore the question.

I am not ignoring anything. This urgent need was brought to my attention and I am attending to it. I can add nothing further.