IRELAND
Irish Examiner
November 08, 2017
By Daniel McConnell
Six properties promised to the State by the Catholic Church in 2002 still remain outside full public ownership 15 years later, the Irish Examiner can reveal.
Documents obtained reveal a further 13 properties “handed over” in 2009, including the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin, also continue to remain outside of the State’s control.
The Department of Education has been sharply criticised by the chairman and members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the “unacceptable delays” in transferring the properties over to the State.
The PAC is to bring the secretary general of the Department of Education, Seán Ó Foghlú, next week to seek answers from him over the failure to transfer the lands.
PAC chairman Sean Fleming, speaking to the Irish Examiner, said there has been a total “malaise” within the department.
“Clearly there has been an insufficient determination to wrap this matter up,” he said. “It is completely unacceptable to have these matters outstanding 15 years after agreements were reached.
“We will now hear evidence from Mr Ó Foghlú on this matter next week and the lack of progress will be top of the agenda.”
PAC member Catherine Murphy echoed Mr Fleming’s concerns, saying the delays are “astonishing”.
“The public deserves better than vague updates and an inability from the department to fully disclose their engagements with the congregations,” she said.
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