Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason Broc House, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, was purchased in 2001 for nearly €10 million, as a reception centre for asylum seekers without the OPW having first examined the premises to ensure that it fulfilled current regulatory standards; the amount it will cost to achieve those standards; if the Department of Health and Children, to which he proposes to dispose of the property, will also have to meet equally stringent regulatory standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6586/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Due to the level of demand for asylum seeker accommodation at the time, Broc House was required at very short notice on the instructions of the reception and integration agency which operates under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It was inspected prior to purchase by an architect and engineer who confirmed that the building was of sound structure and was capable of being made compliant with the then current building regulations. It must be borne in mind that to meet the requirement of asylum seekers certain works would have to be undertaken anyhow, as happened in all other properties purchased for this purpose.

If the property is to be transferred to the Department of Health and Children or to the appropriate health authority, any works required will depend on the use for which the property is required.