Dáil Éireann - Volume 610 - 22 November, 2005

Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.

  169. Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the land and property sold off by the Health Service Executive in 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date 2005 and future plans to sell off land and property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35419/05]

[1258]   Ms Harney: The Health Amendment (No. 3) Act 1996 enabled the former health boards to acquire or dispose of assets without the consent of the Minister for Heath and Children, which was not previously the case. This situation continued until the latter part of 2004 when, in the context of preparatory arrangements for the establishment of the Health Service Executive, boards were required to obtain approval from my Department for the sale of lands and property.

The question of the sale of land and property is now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and furnish a reply direct to the Deputy.