asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the annual sum of money paid by way of (i) rent, and (ii) ground rent in respect of former coastguard stations taken over on the establishment of the State, (b) the annual cost of maintaining these stations, (c) the yearly income from this class of property, and (d) what steps are being taken to dispose of the stations not being utilised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coastguard Stations.
In respect of the year ended 31st March, 1952, the figures requested by the Deputy are:— Rents, etc., paid, £1,479; cost of maintenance, £1,234; receipts, £3,491.
With reference to the last part of the question, the disposal of untenanted coastguard stations is being effected as far as practicable, having regard to the interests which the State is in a position to offer and to the demand for such properties.
Is the State in a position to sell that land if anybody is anxious to buy it?
The land cannot be sold outright. It can only be leased under the existing law.
Who is preventing the State from selling the lands if someone wants to buy them?
Surely that is a separate question.
We are precluded from doing that under an Act passed in 1924.
Then it is time that Act was changed.