Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One recent development in that regard is that we had a fairly full engagement with UL on these issues. In reply to a recent Dáil question, the Minister indicated that his Department was withholding some funding from UL because of a number of outstanding issues. It might be worthwhile if we wrote to the Secretary General of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to request information as to the nature of the issues the Department wants resolved and how much money is being withheld. As I recall, there was a reply to a question a couple of weeks ago on the floor of the Dáil and the gist of what the Minister said was that some funding was being withheld. We will seek clarification on that, if that is agreed. Agreed.

No. 846 is correspondence on a recurring theme. It comes from Mr. Maurice Buckley, cathaoirleach of the Office of Public Works, and is dated 26 October 2021. It is a response to our request for up-to-date information regarding vacant Garda properties, as well as an update on negotiations regarding the Miesian Plaza lease. We also requested confirmation of the timing of the provision of quarterly updates to the committee, given that we requested quarterly updates in our report on our most recent engagement with the OPW. The OPW states that at the end of September 37 former Garda were under consideration for disposal, alternative State use or community use.

In regard to an update on negotiations on Miesian Plaza, further meetings have taken place but there is nothing of substance to report. The OPW confirms that updates will follow within a week of the beginning of each quarter, starting in January 2021. It is proposed that we note and publish this item. Deputies Carthy and Catherine Murphy flagged this item. I call Deputy Carthy.