Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I do not have the specific figure to hand but expensive, valuable property owned by the State will be vacated. In addition, the State will be in a position to surrender leases which are costing it substantial amounts of money. Property in Dublin 2 fetches the highest prices for lease or purchase in the State and, as such, the programme is positive from the point of view of property.

As the Deputy will be aware, to meet its additional accommodation requirements, the Oireachtas will make extensive use of the building which houses the Department of Agriculture and Food. Already, a substantial amount of office space in the building in question is being used by parliamentary assistants to Deputies. Approximately 130 members of staff at the Department of Agriculture and Food have already moved into temporary accommodation in Portlaoise in advance of the Department's new headquarters being built in the town. I note also that the Department of Health and Children recently decided to move out of Hawkins House temporarily. Everyone agrees the building offers the most horrendous accommodation one could find for civil servants.

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