Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the activity taking place in each of the properties transferred here under the indemnity agreement with religious congregations; if any of these properties are not currently in use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32800/05]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the money and properties that have been transferred under the indemnity agreement with religious congregations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32799/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 189 together.

Under the terms of the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations, the property contribution of the congregations is divided into two separate and distinct schedules of properties as follows. The first schedule of properties is properties to be transferred from the congregations to the State, State agencies or local authorities after the date of the signing of the indemnity agreement on 5 June 2002. The total value of these property transfers for the purposes of the indemnity agreement was set at €36.54 million. I can confirm that agreement in principle has been reached with the religious congregations on the transfer of 35 properties under this schedule to the amount of €38.24 million. This figure of €38.24 million includes €4.98 million in cash that was provided by the congregations in lieu of property.

The second schedule of properties is properties transferring from the congregations to the State, State agencies, local authorities or voluntary organisations from 11 May 1999, the date of the Taoiseach's apology to victims of child abuse. The total value of these property transfers for the purposes of the indemnity agreement was set at €40.32 million. I can confirm that transfers of 29 properties to the value of approximately €36.21 million have been agreed in principle under this schedule. This includes a cash payment of €3.25 million made by the congregations in lieu of property.

Taking account the oversubscription on schedule A, the net outstanding balance under the agreement is approximately €2.4 million and this is currently under discussion with the religious congregations. The properties set out on the following lists "A" and "B" were accepted in principle by the Department following receipt of confirmation from relevant Departments and State agencies that it would be to their advantage to accept title to the particular property. The current or future use of these properties is a matter for each of the transferees.