asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will retain the Munster Institute, Bishopstown, Cork, as an educational college.

The previous Government decided that the retention of the Munster Institute by the State as an educational establishment was no longer warranted and this decision was endorsed by the present Government.

Would the Minister not agree that due to the increase in paperwork being foisted on farmers, educational facilities in that field should be made available to the young farmers and would he not agree that the Munster Institute would be an ideal place for the setting up of such facilities for such an important industry? The records that we are all looking for could be kept there in the future.

I understand that due to the rundown in these courses in the Munster Institute over the years, it was no longer a practicable proposition from a financial point of view to continue these courses. I further understand that the sale of the property, which is supposed to be worth something in the region of £2 million, is the subject of arrangements being made with University College, Cork, and ACOT for the relocation of farm home management and poultry courses after 30 June.

Would the Minister agree that, in view of the tremendous impact of agriculture on our economy, the Munster Institute would be a fit and proper place to develop another agricultural training college?

That appears to be repetition.

From what I am aware, there are sufficient places available in the Cork area to run all the courses which one could practically think of in the future. For the reason that there was over-capacity, particularly for the courses held in the Munster Institute, the decision has been taken.

12.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider the transfer of his Department's offices in the South Mall, Cork, and Connolly Hall, Cork, to the Munster Institute Buildings, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The buildings at the Munster Institute were examined some time ago with this possibility in mind, but it was clear that they would require major adaptation and extension to make them suitable as office accommodation for the staff in question. For this reason it is not proposed to utilise the institute buildings in the manner suggested.

I am sure the Minister is aware that there are quite a number of buildings rented, including Connolly Hall in the centre of Cork city. In that area the parking facilities are not adequate for the number of people who will be using these offices. The use of the facilities in the Munster Institute would be preferable to renting accommodation. Would the Minister examine the position?

As far as I am aware, this has been noted before. An inspection has been carried out on the buildings of the Munster Institute to find out if they would be suitable for the purposes to which the Deputy has referred. I understand that too great a capital outlay would be involved in changing the buildings to suit that purpose. It is therefore not proposed to follow up that suggestion.

How much in rent are the Department of Agriculture paying for their offices in Connolly Hall and the Bank of Ireland Chambers? In the long term, would it not be feasible for the Department to build new offices in the Munster Institute?

The first part of the Deputy's question is a separate one.

I have not that information available but will make it available for the Deputy in due course.