Departmental Property.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2010

Thursday, 25 March 2010

Ceisteanna (160, 161, 162, 163, 164)

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

160 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of properties that his Department is currently leasing from property landlords along with the location of same; the number of these lease agreements that contain upward only rent review clauses; the cost arising from these rents; the efforts that are being made by his Department to ensure that these rents are operating at a sustainable level in the current business and economic environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13563/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

My Department pays the rent on office space in two buildings in Dublin:

Ground floor of Hospitality House, Cumberland Street, Dublin 2. This property is leased directly by my Department. The 20 year lease contains a provision for upward only rent reviews at 5 year intervals. The annual rental cost is currently €144,900. However, the lease on these premises is being terminated this year.

Ground floor of Findlater House, 27-31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. This property is leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department. Consequently, all matters in relation to the lease are negotiated by the OPW. The annual rental cost is currently €417,450.

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.

Rental agreements vary from country to country in accordance with local law and practice. Leases are usually for a fixed period and many include rent review clauses. 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, in the current economic climate, all our Missions are routinely instructed to explore the scope for negotiated reductions, having regard to local market conditions.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

161 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism the number of properties that her Department is currently leasing to commercial business along with the location of same; the number of these lease agreements that contain upward only rent review clauses; the income derived from these rents; the efforts that are being made by her Department to ensure that these rents are operating at a sustainable level in the current business and economic environment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13425/10]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

162 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism the number of properties that her Department is currently leasing from property landlords along with the location of same; the number of these lease agreements that contain upward only rent review clauses; the cost arising from these rents; the efforts that are being made by her Department to ensure that these rents are operating at a sustainable level in the current business and economic environment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13555/10]

Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.

My Department is not currently leasing any properties from property landlords or to business.

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

163 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of properties that his Department is currently leasing to commercial business along with the location of same; the number of these lease agreements that contain upward only rent review clauses; the income derived from these rents; the efforts that are being made by his Department to ensure that these rents are operating at a sustainable level in the current business and economic environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13427/10]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

164 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of properties that his Department is currently leasing from property landlords along with the location of same; the number of these lease agreements that contain upward only rent review clauses; the cost arising from these rents; the efforts that are being made by his Department to ensure that these rents are operating at a sustainable level in the current business and economic environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13557/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not lease any properties to commercial businesses, nor does my Department pay rent in respect of properties occupied by its staff. That function, and all matters relating to the acquisition and leasing of property, including rent reviews are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

However, I can confirm to the Deputy that 7 properties are being leased on my Department's behalf by the OPW. These comprise:

my Department's headquarters building in Dublin;

two properties in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, in which staff relocated under the Decentralisation Programme are being accommodated on an interim basis;

two local offices in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, and Acaill, Co Mayo from Údarás na Gaeltachta; and

two warehousing facilities in Finglas, Dublin, and Tullamore, Co Offaly.