Vol. 432 No. 3
86 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the security of tenure that was committed to the tenants in Mespil Flats; his views on the fact that tenants will be forced to move against their will; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy is doubtless aware, Irish Life plc is a private concern. Consequently I have no function in relation to its commercial operations. Not-withstanding this, as a shareholder I had the right, as had all other shareholders, to raise the issue of the Mespil flats sale at the company's Annual General Meeting, and I did this via my Proxy.
At that meeting my Proxy indicated my concern at certain aspects of this sale, and sought assurances from the board of the company both in relation to this transaction and any future undertakings of a similar nature. My conerns in the matter were recognised and acknowledged by the board, and the assurances which I sought were given. These included a commitment to assisting in the remedial action now under way in relation to any difficulties still faced by the residents of the estate.
As regards the specific issues relating to security of tenure which the Deputy raises, I have no function in this area, either as regards the general issue, or the specific instance in question.
