Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - VEC Properties.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

147 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education whether there is evidence that legal advice was sought and obtained by the then acting chief education officer of Westmeath Vocational Education Committee regarding the purchase of property in France; the date of the receipt of this advice; the contents of this advice; the date of the signing of the contract to purchase this property; the persons who signed this agreement; her views on whether this disclosure is of importance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12001/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

It came to the notice of my Department in late November 1996 that legal advice had been sent, in a letter dated 10 January 1994, to the then acting chief executive officer of County Westmeath Vocational Education Committee. The advice was that further legal opinion should be obtained as to the committee's ability to lease or acquire property in France so as to ensure that it acted within the scope of its power; meanwhile, the committee should do nothing more than act in an investigative capacity before making a financial commitment.

The contract for the purchase of the property was signed on behalf of County Westmeath Vocational Education Committee by the chairman and the acting cheif executive officer with officials from the Montbard (France) Municipal Council on 15 February 1994.

I should add that the then acting chief executive officer has denied having seen the legal advice. I will consider what action should be taken in the context of a resolution of the various issues relating to the purchase of the Montbard property.