Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have given the Deputy no date. However, I will prioritise this during my tenure in the Department. I have only entered the Department in the past ten days. From my previous time on the Committee of Public Accounts, I know this issue constantly arose, particular concerning the balance between rent and purchase or build.

It is worth noting that on rent alone, the OPW rental bill has dropped considerably. Annual rental costs in 2019 were approximately €97 million for 350,000 sq. m. In 2010, rental costs stood at €128 million. We are making progress.

On the Deputy's point about the determination as to whether we want a model of more rental or more construction, the report made specific references to the benefits of both, particularly when Departments and agencies may have short-term needs which we might not be able to fulfil over a short period. It is worth noting that the OPW has several projects in office accommodation in Dublin city that are well advanced. We are trying to ensure they are brought to fruition as quickly as possible to reduce the overall requirement for rental properties. It should ensure that we will be able to deliver the best possible office accommodation in the shortest period.

If there are specific points the Deputy wants me to come back on, I can do so in writing.

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