Vol. 564 No. 5
16 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance when Broc House, Nutley Lane, Dublin, and Lynch's Lodge, Macroom, County Cork, were acquired by the Office of Public Works; the total amount paid out in security costs since the properties were acquired; the plans for the future use of each building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9722/03]
The reception and integration agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has responsibility for the accommodation of asylum seekers. The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the agency, purchased Broc House on 30 June 2000 and Lynch's Lodge on 9 October 2000 for the purpose of accommodating asylum seekers. The total security costs paid to 31 March 2003 are: Broc House –€298,798.34; and Lynch's Lodge –€256,813.98. It is intended to use both premises for the accommodation of asylum seekers subject to the outcome of judicial review proceedings currently before the courts.
I know the Minister of State has recently taken on the job of chief auctioneer for the Government and is busy selling State properties around town. Is the Minister of State not concerned at such a horrifying indication of public waste with a bill of more than €500,000 for the security of buildings that are lying idle? There are many such examples around the country and most of them relate to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Minister for Finance has talked about trying to get public spending under control. The €500,000 being spent on security could be spent on home helps. Does the Minister of State not agree this €500,000 would be better spent on caring for our elderly? Is this not an example of a waste of public money?
The Office of Public Works has a responsibility to protect State assets. Both properties in question were expensive. A system of judicial review exists and residents have a right to object. The matter will come before the courts soon. The Office of Public Works and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will contend their plans are within their rights. It is intended that both premises will be used for the accommodation of asylum seekers in the future. As this is a contentious issue locally, there is an obligation to protect the assets of the State and this is what we are doing.
While I am unfamiliar with circumstances in Dublin, the money spent on Lynch's Lodge in Macroom and its lack of use is particularly insensitive given the history of Government policy in the area in recent years. The area has seen the closure of General Semiconductor and the farce and deceit that was perpetrated in advance of the election regarding a replacement industry. Does the Minister of State accept that to spend this type of money in an area that is calling for the money to be spent alternatively adds insult to injury?
As I have already said, there is an obligation on the State to protect the property which is worth more than €3 million. This matter will come before the courts soon. The intention of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is to use the premises for the accommodation of asylum seekers. While I do not know if the security firm is a local one, it is certainly providing jobs in the area. While this is unfortunate it has to be done. The State and Office of Public Works takes seriously the responsibility for the protection of this property.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
