Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 4

Written Answers. - State Property.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

290 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an inventory of State land banks being held by the various Departments and State agencies; when this will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8260/01]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

291 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he has instructed the various Government Departments or State agencies to furnish him with a register of land banks in their possession; if he issued a date by which this was to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8261/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 291 together.

In Action on Housing, the Government announced its intention to establish a comprehensive register of State property and land holdings. In September, my Department issued a questionnaire to all Government Departments and Offices seeking information in respect of each individual property, including land and buildings, in the ownership of the Department/Office or any agency or body under its aegis. The register was originally intended to be in place by the end of 2000. However, the compilation of information by Departments-Offices has proved to be more complicated and time-consuming than originally anticipated.

While responses to the questionnaire have now been received from all Departments and Offices, I understand that responses are still outstanding from several health boards and from most local authorities. These agencies have been asked to respond as soon as possible. The Office of Public Works will start work shortly on compiling the register based on the returns submitted.