asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if the inquiry into the extraordinary excess expenditure on the new administration building for the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, Dublin, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am carrying out an in-depth inquiry into the matter referred to by the Deputy. A detailed statement on the findings of the inquiry will be made when this report has been received and considered.

When does the Minister expect this final report of the inquiry to be available to him?

The report should be available in the near future and as soon as it is considered a detailed statement will be made on its findings.

Would the Minister accept and agree that this is a very serious over-run on expenditure, that there are serious questions to be answered in relation to it and will he assure the House that he will bring the full extent of the inquiry and facts arising from it before this House when it is completed?

I fully shared the concern expressed by the Deputy when he was Minister. That concern is expressed by me by reason of the fact that an in-depth inquiry has been ordered with regard to the over-expenditure. I assure the Deputy that when the report of the findings has been received and considered a detailed statement will be made.

I asked the Minister if he would bring the full extent of the results of that inquiry before the House because it has serious implications for the spending of taxpayers' money. Will the Minister please answer that question "yes" or "no"?

I share the Deputy's concern and, as I have stated in my reply, a detailed statement will be made.

A statement?

Yes, as soon as possible.

Therefore we will not get the details at all; it will be a wash-over job again.

That is a reflection on me. I can assure the Deputy that I am most concerned about this matter.

We cannot have argument across the floor of the House at Question Time. It is not in order.

Will the Minister bring it before the House or not? I am asking a simple question and all that is required is an answer "yes" or "no".

I should like to assure the Deputy that I am concerned that the overrun in expenditure will be fully investigated and a detailed statement made.

Will the House get an opportunity of discussing the statement?

That matter will be considered when the report comes to hand.

15.