John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the guarantee to the effect that her Department will continue to support the research functions previously discharged by ITE; if so, the position regarding the current status of projects such as the Irish-Spanish dictionary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32658/05]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 612: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the progress on the liquidation of ITE/the Linguistics Institute of Ireland; when same will conclude in view of the fact that the liquidation process has taken almost two years; the reason for the delay in liquidating this company, which had no operational debts; if all legal issues relating to ITE have been resolved; the projects currently being undertaken by persons who are still employed at ITE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32659/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 612 together.

At an extraordinary general meeting of ITE, held on 18 July 2003, the company agreed to initiate a process of voluntary liquidation. This decision was a matter for the members in accordance with their memorandum and articles of association and relevant company law. I understand that a meeting of the executive committee of ITE on 5 December 2003 agreed a timetable for the appointment of a liquidator, who was subsequently appointed on 9 January 2004.

My Department has given a commitment to provide every assistance to the company in giving effect to its decision, in partnership with the staff of the institute, and has been working closely with the liquidator since his appointment in this regard. This includes exploring possible arrangements for the continuation of certain research activities previously carried out by the institute and, in the interests of assisting with an orderly wind-up, facilitating appropriate redeployment or other appropriate arrangements for staff in line with general public service policy in these matters and subject to agreement with the Department of Finance. A number of ITE staff have been redeployed to date and options that may be available for remaining staff continue to be explored by my Department. The entitlements of those employees for whom appropriate re-deployment arrangements are not made will be determined in accordance with the terms of their contracts.

There are a number of legal issues in relation to the liquidation of ITE and the liquidator is progressing these matters. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on these issues. There are also a number of ongoing projects and publications to be finalised in ITE. As part of the completion of the liquidation process the liquidator is also progressing these matters.