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.