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.