Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when his Department will close the sale of an old national school building (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32170/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The building referred to by the Deputy is not in my ownership, and in common with other buildings of its kind, where significant grant aid is provided by the Department for the development of school premises, investment is secured by way of a long-term legal agreement known as a charging lease.

In circumstances where a property has ceased to be used as a school, and a request is received to release the State's interest secured under a charging lease, such requests are considered in the context of the specific circumstances which pertain to the individual property.

Officials from my Department are currently considering a request received in respect of the property referred to by the Deputy and will be in contact with the relevant property owners as soon as possible.