Ms Clare McGrath:

My obvious response would be that we would not be averse to doing that. My issue is one of capacity. The remit of the furniture division is the provision of accommodation for Departments for which we have responsibility. The division has received a green procurement award for the sustainability of its operation in relation to the contracts it has in place. Most Departments re-use their furniture unless there are very specific requirements. We have a policy of disposing of redundant furniture. I am not certain how this is done but it is a policy because we do not wish to hold substantial stores of furniture. I would have to examine the issue. We hold auctions in this regard and funds come back into the Exchequer.