asked the Minister for Education if he will state his Department's policy in regard to the disposal of old and unoccupied national schools.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Schools.
14.
National school premises fall into three categories: those which are classified as non-vested, i.e. premises which are not vested by an official lease; those which are vested in trustees by an official lease to which the Minister is a party; and those which were vested in the former Commissioners of National Education to whom the Minister for Education is now the legal successor.
I, as Minister, have no rights in relation to non-vested schools which are no longer required for school use.
In the case of national schools vested in trustees, when the buildings are no longer required for school purposes I am prepared to join in a deed relinquishing such rights as I may hold under the lease and so enabling the trustees to acquire legal title to the premises in order that they may dispose of them or devote them to such purposes as they wish, subject to a refund being made in respect of the unexpired value of the State grants towards the cost of erecting the school or of its subsequent improvement.
Schools vested in the former Commissioners of National Education which are no longer required for school purposes and where the lease is still current are surrendered back to the grantor or his successors in title if they are discoverable. Where the grantors or his successors in title are not discoverable the premises are disposed of by the Commissioners of Public Works. If the buildings have remained in use for a period of 12 years after the term of the lease has expired, the State acquires prescriptive title and arrangements for the disposal of the premises are made by the Commissioners of Public Works, who usually advertise for tenders for their purchase.
Is the Minister aware of the recent sale of the Glandore school, I think it was, here in Dublin, for a derisory sum? Does he know of this? Does he know who purchased that school?
That is a separate matter. I am not aware of it.
They got £800 for a school that would fetch locally £3,000 or £4,000. The question is who bought it?
It does not arise on the question.