Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2017
86. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that the playing fields land at a college (details supplied) has been sold; if he has seen the contracts for such a sale; if his attention has been drawn to the legal case that is being taken by the board of the school to stop the deal closing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47394/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the board of a college (details supplied) will be supported in its endeavours including the legal proceedings to stop the sale of playing pitches in view of the fact that this school is funded by his Department and the fields are vital green space used by the students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47395/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
I would like to clarify for the Deputy that the fields at the school in question are owned by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The decision by the Congregation of Christian Brothers to dispose of land owned by the Congregation is a matter for the Brothers. In July 2017, the Congregation advised my Department in writing that the lands concerned were sold and that the Congregation had signed a legally binding contract with the purchasers and the Congregation could not reverse this transaction. My Department has not seen the contracts for sale.
My Department understands that the Board of Management or members of the Board of Management may be taking legal proceedings against the Congregation of Christian Brothers relating to the sale of the fields. My Department has no role in such proceedings.
