REFURBISHMENT work costing £940,000 is being carried out at Leinster House this year, deputies were told in a written reply by the Minister for Finance, Mr Quinn. About one-third of this was for fire safety, including the fitting of over 200 fire doors and installation of new escape routes. Upgrading of the fire alarm system and new signage will be undertaken next year.

Other work included in this year's estimate includes restoration of stonework on the Kildare Street facade (£171,000) and refurbishment of members' and visitors' bars (£388,000). Painting and decoration, including the entrance hall and Dail stairs, which were last painted in 1982, was also carried out during the summer recess at a cost of £50,000.