asked the Minister for Finance whether rates are paid to Dublin Corporation in respect of the accommodation occupied by the State in O'Connell Bridge House, Hawkins House, St. Stephen's Green House, Ansley House and Liberty Hall; if so, by whom they are paid, the amount thereof, and the rateable valuation of the portion of each building occupied by the State; whether the average rent rate per square foot given in a reply of 3rd February last is inclusive of rates; and, if not, if he will give the annual figure per square foot inclusive of rent and rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rates on State-occupied Buildings.
15.
Rates will be payable to the Dublin Corporation in respect of the accommodation occupied by the State in all of the buildings mentioned by the Deputy. In effect the rates will be borne by the State.
As none of the accommodation is valued for rating purposes in the current year, rates have not yet become payable in respect of it. At this stage I am unable to say what the valuations will be.
The average rent payable per square foot given in the reply of 3rd February last was exclusive of rates. It will not be possible to give an inclusive figure until such time as the buildings have been valued.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the rates will be retrospective to the date of first occupation, if and when the premises are valued?
I do not think they will be retrospective.
I do not think so either, and it is a lucky Government that can occupy these premises free of rates for so long. When the premises are valued, will the rates be paid direct to the corporation or to the landlord?
I gather that the practice is that the landlord pays the rates and is recouped.
The State pays the landlord who pays the corporation.