asked the Minister for Education if he will make available as a matter of urgency adequate funds to either the Dublin City VEC or AnCO in order to purchase the Williams and Woods site; and whether he has had any requests from either the VEC or AnCO or the IDA for such moneys.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Site.
22.
I have no responsibility in relation to AnCO. In the case of the City of Dublin VEC I am not aware of any proposal from them to my Department for such a purchase.
That reply is unsatisfactory. Does the Minister agree there has been discussion at some level with his Department concerning the future of the site in question and that there is a great need for this site in order to enhance the opportunities of Dublin VEC students and others in the area? Would he tell us honestly what the position is—I think he knows more than he has told us?
I can appreciate the Deputy's suggestion that the factual information given is not satisfactory, but the factual information given arises from the question tabled by the Deputy. If the Deputy is seeking other information an appropriate question should have been tabled.
Is the Minister aware of the existence of this site?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that there is considerable interest in the possibility of the site being acquired by the City of Dublin VEC?
I am.
Would the Minister not be willing to encourage that interest of the VEC by giving them a sympathetic response in regard to the provision of money for the purchase of that site by the VEC? Might I finally ask the Minister if at no level in his Department interest has been expressed in the possibility of getting this site acquired?
I repeat there is no proposal in the Department at the moment from the VEC in respect of the purchase of that site.
That is slightly different.
Would the Minister agree that in a matter of this kind there are two kinds of approach made to the Department—one an informal discussion to see what the attitude will be and, if the attitude is sympathetic, then a formal application? Would the Minister agree with that?
No.
I do not think the Minister is trying to mislead the House, but will the Minister say if an informal application was made about this site?
Not that I am aware of.
We must accept the Minister's word for that.
The truth has to be accepted.
Selective truth.
I should tell Deputy Horgan that Questions Nos. 26, 27 and 28 are being answered together and, if the Deputy wishes Nos. 26 and 27 postponed, does he also wish No. 28 postponed?
I shall postpone them all in that case.
Question No. 23 postponed.