Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

521 Mr. Durkin asked the Minister for Finance if, in relation to lands, properties, stocks or other valuables disposed of by his Department since coming into office, he will outline to whom these were disposed and whether by tender, sale or other means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2256/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The reponsibility for the disposal of State lands and properties is one for the Office of Public Works. I have asked the Office of Public Works to prepare a schedule of all such disposals since my appointment as Minister for Finance and will arrange for the information to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. In this regard "disposals" is not taken to refer to waivers of any interests acquired by the Minister by operation of the provisions of section 28 of the State Property Act, 1954 in any residual property of dissolved companies.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that on 9 December, 1998 the special share held by the Minister for Finance in Irish Life plc was rede emed by the company at my request. The special share had a nominal value of £1 and was redeemed for that amount in accordance with the company's Articles of Association.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware of my role under the Succession Act, 1965, under which the estate of a person who dies intestate and with no next-of-kin falls to the State as ultimate intestate successor. Any disposal of such estates are carried out by the Chief State Solicitor.