asked the Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works leased accommodation in the PMPA office block on the North Circular Road, Dublin, the purpose for which this accommodation was leased, if this has been utilised, if not, why and the cost of the accommodation to date.

Accommodation in the PMPA office block, known as Park House, on the North Circular Road, Dublin, was leased by the Office of Public Works in April 1978 and was allocated to the Department of Defence.

Following settlement of the precise staff units, both military and civil, to be moved and of their detailed requirements, contracts for fitting out works were placed. The works were completed and the accommodation was ready for occupation at the end of June 1979 but without telephones. The telephone installation was completed last month. The premises were partly utilised immediately and on 4 February 1980 the main body of staff took up occupation.

The cost of the adaptation works was approximately £110,000. It is not the practice to reveal rental figures.

On what date in 1978 did the Minister say it was leased?

The works were completed by the end of June but there were no telephones installed.

Is that the reason why the building was not occupied?

Yes.

How much was paid?

It is not usual to disclose what rent is paid.

The main purpose of the question is to expose the fact that public money was paid out for the leasing of an office that was never occupied.

They had no telephones.

The only excuse offered is that there were no telephones. Surely I am entitled to a better answer.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that certain offices—

Question Time is over. I allowed some injury time.

(Cavan-Monaghan): People in O'Connell Bridge House have not been answering the telephone for some time.

Due to the telephone strike telephones were not installed.

How much money was paid for an unoccupied building?

Order. The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.