DUBLIN - Leinster House, the Irish parliamentary building in the centre of Dublin, escaped damage early on Monday when it was hit by lightning.

The building was undamaged but a flower pot outside was set on fire,

a spokeswoman said. Designed by German architect Richard Cassels, Leinster House was built in 1747 as a stately home. It now contains the two Houses of the Oireachtas (National Parliament), comprising Dail Eireann (the House of Representatives) and Seanad Eireann (the Senate).