Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2019
150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the future plans for a HSE property (details supplied) in County Dublin; if the property is no longer in use by the HSE; if he will consider transferring the property to the local authority for other uses such as housing, community or the arts; the steps he will take to secure the property to prevent further vandalism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39265/19]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate. Details of properties which have been vacated or are due to be vacated are captured as part of the annual service planning strategy. These properties are reviewed for future use and suitability. They may be refurbished immediately, retained for future use or sold if deemed surplus to requirements.
The HSE operates a protocol for the disposal of surplus property assets, in accordance with Government Policy for Disposal of Surplus Property. This protocol sets out three options:
1. Transfer to another public body or State agency;
2. Open market sale, subject to favourable market conditions;
3. Other uses such as community / voluntary use will be considered only if points 1 and 2 above do not materialise.
Any proposals for the disposal of surplus property assets must be considered in the context of the capital funding available to Health and the Government's Reform Plan relating to the State's property asset use and management. In this context, the HSE is required to obtain value for money when disposing of surplus property assets. These proceeds will be re-invested in delivering much needed health care infrastructure.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to the current status of the particular property raised in your question.
