State Investments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2016

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Questions (104)

Jack Chambers

Question:

104. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if investments, either directly or indirectly through pension or other investment funds, are held in tobacco companies by his Department, any agency within the remit of his Department, or any agency or entity in receipt of departmental funding; if his Department has any guideline on such investment; if his Department intends to introduce any policies or guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39029/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department is the trustee of a number of legacy endowment and stockholdings and avails of the expertise of the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) (formerly The Commissioners for Charitable Donations and Bequests) to manage the day-to-day operation of these investments. My Department completed the transfer of funds in respect of these investments to the CRA in 2013. Following a review of files, there is no record of any investments held in tobacco companies.

The Department also holds an investment account with the Central Bank in respect of the National Training Fund.

Details relating investments in respect of bodies/institutions under my Department's remit are a matter for each body/institution.