Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Property.

Richard Bruton

Question:

875 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent of the moneys owing to his Department and the amount of arrears which accrued in each of the past three years in relation to a company (details supplied) which recently went into receivership; the action, if any, taken by his Department to secure timely payments; if he will indicate the nature of his interest in the buildings and facilities on the site under the terms of existing legal arrangements; and the intentions, if any, he has in relation to the issue of a new lease or sale of the site. [1561/98]

Seán Haughey

Question:

883 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is committed to ensuring that the site of a company (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will continue to be used as a sporting facility; if he will intervene directly to ensure this and act independently of the receiver (details supplied); if he has received the advice of the Chief State Solicitor's Office in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1612/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 875 and 883 together.

The amount of unpaid rent in respect of the premises referred to is as follows: 1993, £3,780.74; 1994, £5,671.11; 1995, £1,890.37; 1996, £5,670.11; 1997, £7,561.48.

Acting on legal advice my Department have written to solicitors for the petitioner in the application to wind up the company and to the receiver claiming payment of the amount outstanding with immediate effect.

The site and buildings in the property referred to was held by the company under a 21 year lease which terminated in 1994. Since then the company have, in effect, held the property on a yearly tenancy. Acting on legal advice, my Department has requested the receiver and the petitioner in the winding up application to surrender possession of the property to me with immediate effect.

My primary responsibility and concern in respect of the property referred to is to safeguard publicly owned assets. Consistent with that responsibility it would be my wish that the property would continue to be used as a leisure-sports facility. Deputies will appreciate, however, that the affairs of a private limited company and matters relating to the provisions of the Companies Act are involved in this matter.

Officers of my Department will keep in contact with the relevant parties and will be available to discuss any concrete proposals when these emerge.