Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I have taken a close interest in the works of NAMA and all its complex relationships with property developers, buildings and so on. I will ask the Department if any such arrangements are being made for the acquisition of premises, whether for purchase or lease, but I have not been advised of that. I will make inquiries and pass the information on to the Deputy. As the Deputy knows, property matters in general are handled by the OPW on behalf of the Department. I take into account the Deputy's remarks about people using the services of the Department in buildings without adequate space and so on. This is related to the very large unemployment rate of 14.7%, as announced by the CSO. The Department is anxious to address this issue.

I appreciate that Thomas Street is a suitable location for a social welfare office because it is accessible by so many bus routes, even if the availability of parking is not brilliant. I know people value the Thomas Street offices. I am not aware of a move from Bishop's Square to the Long Mile Road, but I will make inquiries. While the Long Mile Road might be all right for people with cars, there might not be so many accessible bus services.

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