asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the policy decisions behind the massive increase of almost 500 per cent in the expenses on official premises in the Estimates for his Department for 1989.
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenses on Properties.
25.
In order to avoid duplication and increase efficiency, the Government have in recent years had under review the services being provided by the Office of Public Works for other Government Departments. As a result of this review, a number of services have been transferred from OPW to the relevant Departments.
In the case of the Department of Foreign Affairs responsibility for maintenance work and for premises overseas has been transferred to that Department from the Office of Public Works with effect from 1 January 1989.
As a consequence the amount provided in the 1989 Estimates for my Department in respect of expenses on official premises includes £3,320,000 transferred from the Vote for Public Works and Buildings in respect of contract maintenance at home and abroad and rents on overseas properties. Rents on my Department's accommodation within the State will continue to be the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.
There has been no increase in the amount of public funds to be provided in 1989 in respect of expenses on properties used by my Department. Indeed the overall amount provided for in the Estimates for 1989, taking the Vote for Foreign Affairs and the Vote for Public Works and Buildings together, is £800,000 less than in 1988.