asked the Minister for Finance the improvements, if any, carried out to the Garda stations in Drogheda, County Louth, since his undertaking earlier this year that work would be carried out; and the progress made towards providing a new Garda station in Drogheda.

5.

asked the Minister for Finance if any arrangements have been made to redecorate, repair and refurnish Drogheda Garda station, County Louth, pending the provision of a new station; and, if not, why.

With the permission of the Cheann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.

Prefabricated offices to accommodate some of the Garda station staff have been provided at this centre but the installation of telephones is awaited before they are occupied. The balance of the scheme of works, involving adaptations to parts of the existing station and any necessary redecoration, will then be put in hands.

The search for a suitable site or building for development as a new Garda station is continuing.

Does the Minister of State not consider that there is no point in putting the new buildings outside unless an effort is made to try to make them usable by the staff? Does the Minister of State not agree that it is ridiculous, six months after he said he would have something done with regard to the complaints I made the last time, to find that not even the windows have been repaired or cleaned in the station since that time? Apparently there is a contractor who does this type of work at this Garda station. Would the Minister of State not ask him to do whatever work he is supposed to be paid for doing?

We are looking for a site in the area and we have some difficulty getting one. Since the Deputy spoke last about this matter we have had prefabricated buildings erected at the back of the existing Garda station to provide offices for the PSV Section and for the traffic corps staff. The prefabs, which are ready on site in the station grounds will be occupied when the telephones, which the gardaí have requested, are installed.

Would the Minister of State not agree that that is exactly what he told me first? We are all aware that a site has been sought and that the pre-fabs have been erected. Will the Minister of State tell me when he will make the pre-fabs able to be used by those for whom they are intended? Why should they be put there and left there? Will he try to ensure that the existing station is attended to because there will still be a substantial number of the staff in the existing station? Will he get something done with it before it falls down on top of their heads?

I would like to advise the Deputy that the pre-fab buildings are ready for occupation. The gardaí have asked that telephones be installed but as yet they are not installed. When they are installed they will be ready for the gardaí to move into them.

When will they be installed?

The Deputy should put that question down to another Department.

I should not put it down to another Department. The Minister is responsible for Garda stations. When will they be ready for occupation?

I am not responsible for the installation of telephones.

6.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the deplorable condition of a number of the Garda stations in County Meath; if there are any proposals to have them put in good order; and when the reconstruction work promised on the living quarters of Kilmessan Garda station, Kilmessan, County Meath, will be carried out.

7.

asked the Minister for Finance if the living quarters in Kilmessan Garda station, County Meath, have been put in a habitable condition; and, if not, why.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

I do not accept that any Garda station in County Meath is in a deplorable condition. A request for improvements to Kilmessan station married quarters has been examined and a scheme to carry out the works is in the course of preparation.

When and if the Dáil meets again I propose to put down a question to the Minister of State about the other stations in County Meath which I will list for him. Would he tell the House when this scheme in relation to Kilmessan Garda station was requested and when a decision to carry out the work was made?

Drawings and specifications providing for the improvement to the layout of general repairs and internal decorations of the married quarters of Kilmessan Garda station are virtually completed. It is hoped that a contract will be placed in the new year.

When was the decision made to do this work? I am sure the Minister of State has that on his file?

I have not got it on my file.

The Minister of State should have it on his file. He told me six months ago the work was being carried out.