andMr. Coogan asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the cost of the IDA's planned new headquarters at the location of the former Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club; and if he is satisfied that such expenditure is justified or that the Industrial Development Authority need a headquarters in such a prestigious area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - IDA Headquarters.
9.
The Government have allocated £2.4 million to the Industrial Development Authority in 1984 to cover the costs associated with the fitting out of, and removal to, the proposed new headquarters at Wilton Place. Further expenditure of £2.1 million will be necessary in 1985. The new building is being rented from the New Ireland Assurance Company Ltd., at rates equivalent to the current costs of new lettings of similar size in that location. These arrangements are in pursuance of an irrevocable legal commitment entered into by IDA in 1980.
At present, the IDA operate from six separate offices in Dublin. This is unsatisfactory. In order to improve their services and to maximise their resources, the Government decided it was necessary to provide the IDA with a central headquarters. The proposed location is in the same general area as their existing six offices.
Would the Minister indicate what has happened to the six properties which will be vacated by the IDA when they move into their new headquarters? Is there truth in the rumour circulating that it is planned to spend £1 million on furniture for the new office block?
The position in regard to the six offices varies. In respect of a small proportion of them, the leases will be running out soon. In regard to the others, arrangements are being made to dispose of the IDA's interest in those leases on the best possible terms. As far as the cost is concerned, it is for the overall furnishing of the offices in question. I have made arrangements that before any of this money is spent a schedule of particular expenditures envisaged by the IDA must be submitted to me and approved by me and the Minister for Finance. I cannot give the Deputy a breakdown of expenditure as between furniture and other fittings and services until I have that detailed information.
Could the Minister indicate whether, before the move was planned by the IDA in 1980, there was approval from the Department for the move? Is the Minister confident that the IDA will be able to dispose of their interest in the leasehold premises they have without suffering a loss in revenue?
The Departments of Finance and Industry approved the IDA proceeding with the Wilton Place lease in August 1980 and an agreement was signed by the IDA with the owners on 26 November 1980. It is fair to say that the terms on which some of the existing space will be disposed of will not be as good in terms of income as the equivalent expenditure that will have to be made in respect of the new space. However, the arguments in regard to centralising the IDA services in one office relate to a number of matters to which I could refer if asked to do so, but I do not wish to.
Will the Minister assure the House that whatever furniture is bought, at whatever cost, will be Irish made?
I am awaiting a detailed submission from the IDA on the matter. It certainly would be my wish that it should be Irish made and from what I have heard about one purchase they have in mind, in that case, at least, Irish made material is being bought. However, I would prefer to await receipt of detailed information from the IDA before making a categorical statement.
Surely the Minister will not allow them to buy anything but Irish?
I would not wish that they would buy anything but Irish products. However, the Deputy will appreciate that there are requirements imposed by our membership of the EEC in regard to public purchases which must be complied with. There is the question of ensuring that one will have what is suitable for the purpose for which it is intended. Perhaps there are some items of equipment or furnishings which are not made in Ireland. Clearly, those would have to be imported. I would prefer not to get into a detailed breakdown but if the Deputy wants to put a specific question on the subject of the country of origin of the relevant purchases I will, of course, endeavour to supply the information.
I am putting the Minister on notice that if he allows the IDA to buy any item other than what is made in Ireland he will hear all about it. He is the Minister, after all.