asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the impending purchase of the Fota Estate, he will consider acquiring the amenity portion of the estate for the benefit of the public and provide the finance for its upkeep and maintenance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fota Estate.
14.
Mr. Kenny
As I have already indicated in reply to various representations in the matter, I do not propose to acquire any part of Fota Island or to accept financial responsibility for the maintenance of the property.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that if University College, Cork go ahead and exercise their option to purchase Fota they are debarred by their statute from spending any money on the amenity area and that the property might turn out to be a white elephant on their hands? Is he aware that on a number of occasions the Minister for Finance gave undertakings to deputations from Cork County Council and Cork Cor-poration that he would sympathetically consider taking over the maintenance and the upkeep of the amenity area?
Mr. Kenny
I am not aware that by the statute of UCC they are debarred from purchasing Fota Island or giving Cork citizens the privilege of the use of the amenities there.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that he was present when this undertaking was given by the Minister? This was a large factor which was taken into account by University College, Cork when they decided to take an option on this land?
Mr. Kenny
What undertaking was given by the Minister?
He said that he would sympathetically consider the financing of the maintenance and upkeep of the amenity area of the estate for the people of Cork.
Mr. Kenny
If that is the Minister's undertaking I have no responsibility at all. I will enquire into it.