Ivor Callely
Question:654 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the current situation in relation to the former Squash Ireland premises, Howth Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9630/98]
Written Answers. - Companies in Liquidation.
Seán Haughey
Question:730 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is committed to protecting the public interest in a property (details supplied) in Dublin 3 as a publicly owned asset; if he has satisfied himself beyond all doubt that the liquidator or receiver is entitled to a lease for an additional year which, in effect, means that the notice to quit issued by his Department cannot take effect until December 1998; if he will make every effort to recover this property immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8999/98]
Ivor Callely
Question:772 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the person responsible for the payment of the ESB account due on a property (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will ensure the electricity connection will remain to ensure the building is retained in good condition and used by local schools. [9334/98]
Ivor Callely
Question:773 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the buildings and lease of a property (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9335/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 654, 730, 772 and 773 together.
I have stated in replies to previous questions raised in the House and on other occasions that my objectives as regards the property concerned are to ensure that the public interest in the property is safeguarded and that the property continues to be used as a sport-leisure facility. All actions of my Department to date have been taken with the achievement of those objectives in mind and my Deparment has been advised by the Attorney General's office and counsel on the remedies available to secure those objectives. Acting on that advice I have instructed the Chief State Solicitor to issue a notice to quit on all parties involved with the property and that has been done. I am advised that under the landlord and tenant law, the date by which the property must be surrendered is 27 December 1998. This does not preclude a voluntary surrender of the property by or on behalf of the tenant company before that date and I am prepared to consider any reasonable proposal which would achieve this.
In the meantime the tenant company and the liquidator appointed by the High Court continue to have a legal responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the property, including the costs of any services. As of this date I am satisfied that responsibility is being discharged. My Department will keep the situation under review.