Joseph Walshe to Gearoid McGann (President's Office)

Ely House

In reference to the President's note of the 18th inst. the following information is supplied:

Negotiations were begun between Mr. Gavan Duffy, then Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Lady Aberdeen, the present holder of the Lease, towards the end of January of this year.

Owing to the possibility of Irregular coups, the negotiations were definitely broken off on the 28th July.

The rent proposed was £260 per annum, exclusive of rates and taxes.

There is no claim of any sort outstanding against the Government in the matter.

The Lease held by Lady Aberdeen expires on the 1st July, 1953. The valuation is £115.

The house would suit admirably as a residence for the President or the President of the Senate. Its best points are a very fine staircase, and four large reception rooms.

There is a covenant in the lease 'not to use the said demised premises or any part thereof or permit same to be used in any other capacity than strictly as a private dwelling house'. The Head Landlords made no objection to the subletting to Mr. Gavan Duffy notwithstanding this covenant. However, the premises are quite unsuitable for office purposes.