Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A target of 61 Intreo centres were to be in place in cities and towns throughout Ireland by the end of 2014. The first ten Intreo offices were delivered in May 2012 and a further 35 offices were handed over in 2013 and 2014. The remainder are targeted for delivery in 2015. In a number of towns Intreo has been delivered across two locations. The Intreo programme is estimated to cost in excess of €40 million. Where possible, the OPW and the Department of Social Protection will work within existing available space. However, at 20 locations, additional accommodation or leases will be required. Many of the projects targeted for completion in 2014 have rolled over into early 2015. I am happy to acknowledge that fact. Given that it has been an ambitious programme, property solutions have been found, on occasion, to be complex. This has involved the splitting of the Intreo offices into two locations. However, the majority of Intreo offices are complete or will be complete by the end of this month. I can provide more detail if the committee wishes.

Deputy Fleming knows the history of the issue of Portlaoise far better than I do. While there was a decision taken, there is no funding to make that decision a reality. As a result, the OPW has been considering the scenario. We have given a commitment to carry out a space audit. I reckon that is the prudent thing to do at this stage. I know from my colleagues across Government that several public servants and civil servants working in various Departments are based in Portlaoise. We are going to carry out the space audit. The current annual rent for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine lease in Portlaoise is a little short of €634,000. The rent has been reduced from approximately €926,000. There is one matter I am somewhat concerned about, which comes up from time to time in parliamentary questions, although not necessarily from Deputy Fleming. It is the idea that if we have a lease, it is not a permanent building. Sometimes, the OPW uses leasing as a more appropriate way of providing a permanent facility. It is not necessarily a short-term lease. I am happy to continue to engage with Deputy Fleming on the matter. Anyway, we are carrying out the space audit. That is the most up-to-date position.

The unitary payments in respect of the National Convention Centre will be phased out over time. Committee members will note there were significant payments in 2012, 2013 and 2014, but they have been decreasing each year. The capital payment in 2012 was €20.221 million, whereas in 2015 it is €13.5 million. The project cost is €380 million. I hope that answers the question.