Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers' Accommodation.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

258 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the intended use of a property in Myshall, County Carlow; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Irish Society for Autism is anxious, with the support of the Department of Health and Children, to purchase this property; if, in view of this, the Office of Public Works will withdraw from purchasing this building or accommodate in some other way the society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12872/00]

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

261 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the details regarding the purchase of property at Myshall, County Carlow for accommodation for asylum seekers; if his attention has been drawn to the interest of an organisation involved with autistic children of purchasing the same property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13017/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 261 together.

The property at Myshall, County Carlow, was offered to the Office of Public Works following an advertisement in the national press in January 2000 for suitable properties for the purpose of housing asylum seekers. The property was found to be suitable for the purpose proposed.

The Directorate for Asylum Support Services instructed my office, following an inspection of the property, to pursue the acquisition of the property for use as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers. The Office of Public Works entered negotiations with the proprietor for the purchase of the property and these culminated in a signing of the contract by both parties.

The Irish Society of Autism did not make contact with this office regarding their interest in the property.