Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
354 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will itemise the number of buildings that his Department leases; the annual rental and average price paid per square metre; if any review of the leases has been initiated to seek lower rents in the context of the current financial position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42701/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department pays the rent on office space in two buildings in Dublin:
Ground floor of Hospitality House, Cumberland Street, Dublin 2 which has a total floor area of 347.45 square metres at a cost of €144,900 per annum. However, a provision to terminate the lease on these premises in 2010 has recently been invoked.
Ground floor of Findlater House, 27 -31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1 which has a total floor area of 523.4 square metres at cost of €417,450 per annum. The lease on these premises was negotiated by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department.
All other rent commitments relating to properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs are discharged by the Office of Public Works.
In addition, 109 properties are rented by my Department outside the State for use primarily as offices and official residences. The projected total rental cost of these properties in 2009 is €15.518m. Rental agreements vary from country to country in accordance with local law and practice. Leases are usually for a fixed period and any include a rent review clause. Rent increases on renewal of leases are generally in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the particular country. Rent levels abroad are reviewed each year. In addition, earlier this year all our Missions were instructed to explore the scope for negotiated reductions, having regard to local market conditions.
