asked the Taoiseach if, in the national interest and in order to preserve for future generations important features of a cultural, historical, architectural, educational or recreational nature, he will give favourable consideration to the acquisition by the State of Carton House and estate at Maynooth, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

: The preservation of Carton House and demesne is a matter of great artistic and cultural importance and the possible means will be kept under review to enable this to be ensured.

: Would the Minister agree that notwithstanding the current financial stringency which prevails it might be better to pursue more actively the sentiments expressed in the question?

: The basic position is that Carton House and demesne is in private ownership and is the subject of a number of planning permissions at the moment.

A number of use models have been prepared for possible public ownership or public use of the house and demesne and all these must be fully explored. I can assure the Deputy on my own behalf and on behalf of the Taoiseach that every possibility will be looked at which could bring about the continued preservation of the house and demesne, including their being used as a possible artistic and cultural focus for the surrounding region, but, as the Deputy said, in any such review the state of the public finances must be kept in mind.

: Would the Minister agree that the zonings for that area would be very strongly in favour of his wishes and that any of the planning permissions which are currently before Kildare County Council would be out of order? Would he use his offices to make sure none of them is successful?

: It would be indiscreet for me to comment on any planning permission at present before Kildare County Council or An Bord Pleanála.

: While the estate is in private ownership at present, is the Minister aware that it might be possible to approach the owners with a view to acquisition?

: As I said originally, there is a variety of possibilities but at this stage it would be premature to enter into detail and would not help what this House would desire.

: The Minister should invite his colleague to his office.