I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together. The information requested is detailed hereunder:—
1. Extension and Adaptation Works (including Furniture and Equipment) (1979-1981):—£1,801,673.69.
2. Sports Hall (1978-1982):— £228,585.59.
In June 1977 the Department wrote to the president of the college stating that in view of the level of State investment in the scheme of adaptation and extension to the college it was considered necessary to enter into a legal agreement to ensure that the college would be used as a training college or for some other approved educational purpose for as long as might be required by the Minister, or failing that, that State grants would be recouped in full or in part to the Department and be a first charge on the college premises. Details were requested as to legal titles etc., so that the necessary papers could be drawn up.
A draft deed of charge was drawn up by the Chief State Solicitor's office but protracted discussions ensued regarding certain aspects of the draft and the delineation of accompanying maps of the land owned by the Sisters. The document presented to the college authorities to secure repayment of funds advanced by the then Minister was not formally executed prior to notification of the college closure. At that stage the terms of the draft deed as envisaged would not have been appropriate to the revised circumstances and the matter was not pursued pending clarification of the future plans for the premises.
The Department are at present examining the situation in the light of the recent decision by the Sisters to sell the premises.
