Does the Minister of State accept that when this matter was raised in the Dáil some months ago I brought to his notice the fact that our greatest national park, indeed the greatest national park in Europe, was without a superintendent? The number of people employed, notwithstanding the ever-increasing use of the Phoenix Park, has been reduced. In raising this matter does he accept that his hand might be strengthened in bringing to the notice of the Government the national disgrace that exists in what should be our greatest national amenity? Does he offer any hope that it will not be turned into a derelict site? That is what is happening.

I do not accept the latter part of the Deputy's question.

There are stray horses and so on.

That is a separate question. I am aware of it. We thought the appointment of a superintendent for the Phoenix Park would be filled by way of a promotion. We believed a very suitable person was offered the position but it did not work out for various reasons. We are not taking steps to fill the vacancy. I do not accept that the park is becoming a derelict site. I was in it recently. Dublin Corporation are carrying out major works there and it may look bad. I was often in the park many times when I was younger. It is in excellent condition. I do not accept the Deputy's allegation that it is becoming a derelict site.

The Minister of State is not traversing the area of the park which I do every morning. Does he accept that the footpaths are in such a state that one walks on them at the peril of breaking an ankle? We do not live on memories of the past. If anyone has eyes they will see that the park is the greatest neglected area we have.

I assure the Deputy I am not living in the past. I was in the park only last week. I do not say I traversed every bit of the park but during the last month I spent a lot of time there. I do not accept the Deputy's allegation.