Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 7

Written Answers. - Delvin (Westmeath) Property Purchase.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

77 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if County Westmeath Vocational Education Committee recently purchased a property at Delvin, County Westmeath: if so, the date on which the purchase agreement was signed; the person by whom it was signed; the purpose for which this building has been used since being purchased; the frequency of use; the agreed purchase price; the amount of deposit paid; when the deposit was paid; if a valuer's report was sought on this building; the date and contents of this report; when this report was given to the vocational education committee's legal advisers; if recent reports to the committee outlining this matter were accurate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5755/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

It is understood that a purchase agreement for a building adjacent to the courthouse in Delvin was signed in January 1993 by the chairperson of County Westmeath Vocational Education Committee, Mr. H. Abbot. The purchase price agreed was £30,000 and £10,000 of this was paid in January 1993. The purpose of the purchase was to enable Youthreach trainees to acquire relevant training and work experience in renovating the site. A valuer's report was not sought. The building has been used for storage and some initial renovation work. A plan was prepared proposing the development of the building as a hotel and catering centre, for use in training and work experience, and this was approved in principle by the vocational education committee in March 1994. However, the renovation work has not been completed.

My Department approved the provision and funding, under the usual conditions, of a Youthreach centre in Delvin. Youthreach is usually provided in rented premises.

Ministerial approval is necessary for the purchase of property by a vocational education committee and no such approval was given in this case. In the circumstances, this matter will be subject to further investigation by my Department.