andMr. W. O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if any action has been taken to resolve the long standing grievance of tax officials in Limerick.

Additional accommodation has been acquired for the staff concerned in Limerick. It is now in the final stages of servicing and furnishing preparatory to occupation. It is expected that the staff will be in occupation of the new office premises by early May 1981.

Alterations for improving existing accommodation have been made and further improvements will be possible when staff have moved to the new premises.

Is the Minister aware that many workers are being denied payment of their proper wages because they are unable to get tax-free certificates due to this dispute?

I am not aware of the position claimed in the latter part of the Deputy's comment. However, I am aware of the difficulties there and I have been taking a personal interest in seeing that the accommodation will be provided.

This dispute has been in existence for 12 months.

Government disputes have been going on for three years.

Can the Minister state when the dispute will be over?

Work is well advanced and arrangements are being finalised for the accommodation of some of the staff in a wing of Sarsfield House which has been leased by the Office of Public Works. The floor coverings have been laid and telephones installed, and when some of the staff have been moved part of the existing accommodation will be rearranged to accommodate the rest of the staff. I hope the whole thing will be completed before the end of May.

The Minister has not taken any action at all.