Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has an interest in a freehold lease of a former school building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38581/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The property referred to by the Deputy is not in my ownership. In common with other buildings of its kind, there is a charging lease in place on the property, in this case dated 1891 for 999 years to protect the state's investment in the property.

In circumstances where a property has ceased to be used as a school, and a request is received from the property owner 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.

I can confirm that my Department has not received a request from the property owners to release my interest in this property. Queries in relation to the property should be directed to the property owner in the first instance.