Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

Yes. I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to raise this matter. I am pleased that my constituency colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Martin Mansergh, is taking this Adjournment matter.

In May 2009, the OPW announced in a press release that the old labour exchange building, located in Dillon Street, Clonmel, was being transferred to the VEC for use as the adult literacy headquarters. We are still waiting for the final go-ahead to begin this move, however.

I know it has not been a long wait and that the Minister of State is doing what he can to help the move proceed. However, I am bringing it to his attention today because of a small tragedy in our current offices last weekend. We had several issues with flooding previously and I thank Deputy Mansergh for his efforts in that regard and thank the OPW and the contractors involved in improving flood defences in Clonmel. However, this time the water came from on high. The VEC office is in a rented building and as a result of some accident in the floor above the building was flooded. This resulted in significant damage and devastation. The old labour exchange building is available as it has been idle for some time. It is a good solid building. The Minister of State, Deputy Haughey visited it some time ago and saw that for himself. We are anxious to move into that building, even though it has not yet been renovated, but Rome was not built in a day. Moving into the building in Dillon Street would bring about a cost saving for the VEC as it currently pays €20,000 a year to rent the building it is in. This building now needs repair, but this is a difficult time of the year for repairs. We would pay back the estimated €200,000 cost of upgrading the building over a number of years. It is a fine solid structure and could be improved little by little over time. The savings of €20,000 per annum would go a long way towards the work.

Our adult literacy service in south Tipperary is highly rated nationally. We have won adults continuing education, ACE, awards and have been short-listed for this year's Aontas star awards for the Munster region. We believe more permanent premises would help us maintain and improve the quality of service we offer. The adult literacy service assists more than 600 learners in south Tipperary. Approximately 350 of these attend classes in Clonmel. Space is a major issue and we need larger premises to accommodate adults who need help in basic reading, writing and numeracy. The new premises we expect to acquire with the help of the Minister of State are only 150 yards away from the current headquarters on the Mall in Clonmel. The premises is in a good, central location in the town. Who wants to rent a building when a building of one's own is available? The labour exchange building would help us further develop services and provide a welcoming venue for students. I look forward to hearing a favourable reply from the Minister of State and to his co-operation in the matter. I am sure he and I will have many more discussions with colleagues in order to progress this venture. It would be a lovely Christmas present if we could have access to the premises for the new year.

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