I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 to 580, inclusive, together.
Bord na gCon (BNG) is a commercial State body, established in 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and improve and develop the greyhound industry. Harold’s Cross Stadium is the property of BnG and its sale is a matter for it although consent for the sale is required from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The deputy’s questions relate to DPER Circulars regarding the policy and protocols for property acquisition and for the disposal of surplus state property. The purpose of this provision is to allow other State bodies to express interest in properties before any disposal to a private entity can occur. Regarding registering Harold’s Cross Stadium in the State Property Register, in this instance the Department of Education and Skills expressed an interest in the Stadium and a valuation was carried out by the Valuations Office.
Any question of architect’s and engineer’s reports, legal, planning and other professional advice required is an operational matter for the parties to the transaction.
The Chairman of Bord na gCon (BNG) wrote to this Department on 10 May seeking my consent and that of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to the sale of Harold’s Cross Stadium to the Department of Education and Skills for the sum of €23m.
The proposal to sell Harold’s Cross Stadium is addressed in the Indecon Report which examined a range of business development possibilities with the suggestion that the debt of BnG could not be reduced in any significant way without the sale of assets.