asked the Minister for Finance if the Government have decided to dispose of properties which are currently vacant and which were previously used by Government services in Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna— Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Government Properties.
13.
The future of these properties is at present under consideration by Government and as part of that process a number of professional firms have been asked to submit proposals on them.
(Limerick East): Do I take it from the Minister's reply that if these properties are disposed of they will not be offered for public tender?
If they are not disposed of?
(Limerick East): If they are disposed of — that they will not be offered for public tender, that there is some private arrangement with companies going on?
No, the position is that no firm decision has been made on these. The Government have examined the matter in great detail and at length. Six professional firms have been asked to submit proposals vis-à-vis the future of the properties. When those proposals are forthcoming and available to Government, they will then examine them and take a decision as to their future.
(Limerick East): Is the Minister aware that in the disposal of State assets previously by this Administration proper tendering procedure was not followed and arrangements were made other than arrangements by public tender? Can I get a commitment that if these properties are to be disposed of they will be offered for public tender?
I am not aware of, and do not accept, that any private arrangement was made by Government with regard to properties disposed of. All properties disposed of were disposed of by public tender or through the proper legal formula. The proper procedure will be followed by this Administration in this matter, as it has been in all matters pertaining to property.
(Limerick East): Is the Minister aware that the sale of Castle Tours by Aer Rianta was not offered for public tender, nor the sale of land by Bord na Móna to Coillte?
They are properties owned by semi-State bodies. I am not responsible for the actions of semi-State bodies.
Arising from the Minister's reply in which he has intimated to the House that six companies have been asked to make proposals to the Government, what type of companies are we dealing with? Are these property development companies, auctioneers, building companies, or land-owning companies?
(Limerick East): Or pals.
I did not say that.
There is not one in it. There is no pal in it.
Would the Minister of State indicate what happens when the proposals are sifted through? If one is thought to be a good proposal, would that lead to public tendering, or would that company be deemed to be the successful applicant for a development scheme? That is what I think Deputy Noonan was driving at.
The companies being asked to make proposals are professional auctioneers. They will make submissions. If a particular auctioneer puts forward a proposal satisfactory to the Government, the Government in turn will offer that for public tendering, for public consideration, in the normal legal manner.
Using the auctioneers as agents?
Not necessarily.