Vol. 524 No. 2
245 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he has carried out an audit of the land banks of Government Departments; if he will furnish the details of such an audit; the sections and amounts of this land which is suitable for housing development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22401/00]
The Government's Action on Housing contained a commitment to the establishment of a comprehensive register of lands in the ownership of Departments and of the State bodies for which they are responsible. The register will assist in ensuring the best use of such assets, including the release of surplus State lands for housing. My Department, together with the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Office of Public Works, have prepared a questionnaire which has been circulated to all Departments. The results from the questionnaire will contribute to the establishment of the register. When the register is established, the Government will then be in a position to assess whether there are surplus State lands suitable for housing development.
