Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that there has been engagement between the LWETB and the HSE on this matter over the course of 2023.

In all cases requirements of the HSE are that if a property is identified as surplus to health requirements and to be disposed of they must follow procedures set out in the HSE Property Protocol.

The HSE Property Protocol fully reflects the requirements of DPER Circulars on the disposal of surplus property.

The HSE Property Protocol satisfies the obligations of Section 53 of the LDA Act 2021.

The HSE process for the disposal of surplus property can be summarised as follows:

• Surplus properties to be disposed of are initially offered to the Land Development Agency (LDA) in accordance with the LDA Act 2021.
• Should the LDA have no requirement for an offered property, the property is then offered via the State Property Register to other State entities and the Local Authority in the area.
• Finally, if there is no interest expressed by other State entities the property is placed on the open market.

Where a property is not taken up by the LDA, or another State entity, at the relevant stages of the disposal process, the HSE reserve the right to re-evaluate the property for suitability in addressing health sector requirements (present and future). This may result in the property either being retained by the HSE or being disposed of.

These procedures must be applied by the HSE in all instances where properties are identified as surplus to health requirements and are to be disposed of.