Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Initially, we rent in nearly every place because it is the quickest way of getting in and we can see if the premises are suitable.

Ultimately, we like to purchase more because it is better in the long term. We have had a good discussion in Washington. It may mean selling the old building in due course if it is no longer of suitable scale or fit for purpose. We are involved in 177 premises worldwide, 40 of which we own. The Deputy can see the proportion. It is over 20%. Our preference is to own them but that is a big capital outlay. Where we see a good opportunity that makes rigorous good sense and is approved in terms of public sector financial guidelines and by the Department of public expenditure and reform, we purchase, but it is only in those cases.