Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 471: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that a new school (details supplied) in County Dublin has been built and remains unoccupied; the length of time since the completion of the school; if difficulties remain between his Department and third parties as to the reason this newly built school cannot be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16624/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school building referred to by the Deputy has been constructed and was ready for occupation in September 2008. I understand that the landowner has recently completed the transfer of the lands on which the school is located with the Local Authority. This paves the way to enable the Patron to enter into a lease arrangement with the landowner. This will require my Department to enter into a separate legal agreement with the Patron to secure the Department's prospective investment in the school.

The legal representatives of both parties have been in contact with my Department regarding various aspects of this agreement, particularly the drafting of leases. I am advised that the Patron's legal representatives have submitted legal indentures to the CSSO for their consideration. My Department has requested the CSSO to proactively engage with these legal teams in order to facilitate the process and is working to ensure that the school can move to occupy the new building as soon as possible.