I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 128 together.
From 1977 to 1987 the lands at Barretstown were managed on behalf of the State by the Irish National Stud which in lieu of rent undertook a programme of improvements to the lands, fencing and buildings.
Following the departure of the Irish National Stud, the grazing of the lands was offered for letting by tender in 1988 through advertisements in newspapers and the licences awarded to the highest tenderers. A similar procedure was followed this year.
The grazing-tillage of lands at Barretstown Castle, County Kildare were offered publicly for letting by tender in the local provincial newspaper, on 25 February 1989. In all 14 tenders were received in respect of the various lots.
Detailed information regarding contracts entered into and tenders relating thereto are confidential and in the public interest it is not the trustees, i.e. the Commissioners of Public works' practice to disclose same.
Revenue from this current year will represent an increase on that of the previous year.
The Commissioners of Public Works manage and maintain the castle itself as well as the lands and there are no proposals at present to change the administration of the estate.