149 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans to purchase lands (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12254/07]

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education & Science in the acquisition of sites for primary schools. The Commissioners finalised the purchase of a site for Rathcroghan National School on 23rd January, 2007.

150 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements for the appointment of an agent to deal with the purchase by the State of a site (details supplied) for €26 million; the amount paid to the agent and other costs associated with the purchase. [12286/07]

The agents who are engaged to deal with the purchase of the site in question are part of the multi-disciplinary design team which was selected by an EU wide procurement process to produce a redevelopment plan for the Mountjoy Jail site. This purchase was made to enhance those development possibilities. The agent was paid a fee for this purchase of €94,000 (plus VAT) equivalent to 0.4% of the purchase price. No other costs were incurred in connection with the purchase.