John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 15: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the properties in the mental health service which have been sold in the lifetime of the present Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8372/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy may be aware, the former health boards had the capacity and authority to dispose of lands and assets which were deemed to be surplus to requirements as alternative facilities were acquired and commissioned.

The HSE now has a centralised function within its finance directorate which manages the entire estate and is responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, life cycle management and disposal of HSE assets.

My Department has been informed that in order to retrieve the complete information requested, the HSE will need to examine the decisions of each former health board and review the minutes of the property and finance committees of all of the former health boards. However, my Department has also been informed that information available to the HSE finance directorate at this time indicates that there was no land sold in the former North Eastern Health Board, Midland Health Board, North Western Health Board and East Coast Area Health Board during the lifetime of the Government. Lands sold in the former South Western Area Health Board's mental health services were Cooligmartin House, Auburn House and St. Loman's Hospital, Palmerstown. The HSE will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as all the information requested by him has been compiled.