Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Public Accounts Committee
2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Chapter 6 - Land Swap Arrangement in the Provision of Affordable Houses
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works
11:30 am
Ms Clare McGrath:
In our experience, it would be preferable to have the alternative accommodationin situ beforehand. In the last five years, we have undertaken a programme of lease surrenders. We are taking advantage of the current situation and handing properties back to landlords but we are moving the occupiers to other locations. If we do not take advantage of the break date we then have to pay another year's rent.
If we do not take advantage of the break date, we have to pay another year's rent. We are monitoring this constantly and this situation is not dissimilar. We would be looking at the alternatives if we would not be able to get the fit out done in time. We meet our break dates. In this instance we were not able to provide the alternative accommodation that would have allowed vacant possession.