Vol. 574 No. 2
212 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for the decision to close the ITE-The Linguistics Institute; the provision which has been made to maintain the job security of workers at the institute; the amount the institute has spent on legal advice since January 2000; and if all legal cases taken or threatened against the institute have been resolved. [26662/03]
Institiúd Teangalaíochta Éireann is a company limited by guarantee and without share capital, having been incorporated in 1972. It serves as a national centre for research on all aspects of language, language behaviour, language learning and language teaching, with special reference to Irish and involving English and modern European languages.
In recent years a value for money study and an independent consultancy study have made recommendations in relation to the reorganisation of the institute's activities. My Department has had discussions with representatives of the executive committee of the company in relation to their future intentions, having regard to a number of operational issues. The operation of the company is a matter for the members in accordance with their memorandum and articles of association.
At an extraordinary general meeting of the company held on 18 July 2003 the company agreed to initiate a process of voluntary liquidation. My Department has given a commitment to provide every assistance to the company in giving effect to its future intentions, in partnership with the staff of the institute. This will include arrangements for ensuring the continuation of the research functions previously carried out by the institute and, in the interests of assisting with an orderly wind-up, facilitating appropriate redeployment or other appropriate arrangements for permanent staff in line with general public service policy in these matters and subject to agreement with the Department of Finance. I have asked to be kept informed of progress.
I understand that, since January 2000, some €92,000 has been expended by ITE on legal fees. I understand that there are two legal actions outstanding against the institute.
