asked the Minister for Education the money which has been spent on developing Lyons Estate, County Dublin by the Department of Agriculture and Food and her Department since 1962; the long-term proposals for this vital facility for our agricultural science and veterinary students; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Lyons Estate.
160.
Since the beginning of 1978, my Department assumed responsibility for the funding, through the Higher Education Authority, of the faculties of General Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine with the transfer of that responsibility from the Department of Agriculture and Food.
A grant-in-aid is paid annually to the Higher Education Authority for the funding of institutions operating under its aegis. A proportion of that grant is allocated by the Authority to University College, Dublin, and the extent to which it is used to fund individual faculties, or particular aspects of them, including since 1987 the Faculties of General Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, is a matter for the authorities of the college.
Prior to 1987, I understand that the Minister for Agriculture and Food allocated block grants to each of these two faculties and again the extent to which this was allocated to the various activities within these faculties, would have been a matter for the UCD authorities. I also understand that the Minister for Agriculture and Food has forwarded to you details of the block grant paid in respect of the Faculty of General Agriculture over the period 1962 to 1986, inclusive.
The future of the Lyons Estate is being actively considered by the authorities of University College, Dublin, and I believe the review being undertaken is both necessary and timely. I have every confidence that it will be done in a comprehensive manner, taking into account both educational and financial considerations.