Written Answers. - Purchase of Property. Tuesday, 4 April 1995

Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 451 No. 5 Page of 134

  125.  Mr. McGrath      asked the Minister for Education      if Westmeath Vocational Education Committee recently purchased property at Ballymacarrigy, County Westmeath; the date of purchase; the price paid; if sanction for this transaction was given by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6930/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach):    A property was purchased in July 1992 for £9,000 by County Westmeath vocational education committee in Ballynacargy to provide a Youthreach training programme for unqualified early school leavers. The purpose of the purchase was to enable Youthreach trainees to acquire relevant training and work experience in renovating the site.

My Department approved the provision and funding, under the usual conditions, of a Youthreach centre in Ballynacargy. Youthreach is usually provided in rented promises.

[1025] Ministerial approval is necessary for the purchase of property by a vocational education committee and no such approval was sought or given in this case.

I should add that a range of issues relating to the conduct of the affairs of County Westmeath vocational education committee was put to the acting chief executive officer for comment prior to my deciding on the appropriate course of action to be followed. As part of this process it has proved necessary to seek clarification of some points made by the acting chief executive officer in his initial response. This aspect is at an advanced stage and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter shortly.

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