Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

179 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if the State has a lien on assets created where capital funding was provided during the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's to voluntary agencies engaged in the provision of residential services for those with mental handicap; if so, the implications, if any, of this; if any lien has ever been exercised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12762/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

It was not the practice, in the period referred to by the Deputy, to create a lien on assets where the capital funding was provided by the State for the provision of services for mentally handicapped persons and, accordingly, the question of exercising any such lien does not arise.

However, since June, 1994, voluntary agencies have been informed that all funding for capital assets made available by my Department of at least £1.5 million for buildings and £0.25 million for equipment will be on the basis of written acknowledgement by the recipient agency that (i) the Minister is the source of funding; (ii) the assets will be used for the authorised purposes only; and (iii) any change of use will require the Minister's prior approval.