Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister of State is new to the job and I do not mean to put him in a spot. However, the purpose of these reports is to ensure continuity, regardless of who is in government or how long they are in power.

The spending review in question was undertaken specifically to look at the OPW and its whole portfolio of rented properties. I am personally in favour of acquiring or constructing buildings. It makes no sense that we are paying out nearly €100 million per year in rents. The Government and the OPW should be right there i lár an aonaigh, in the middle of the market, acquiring properties.

When weaknesses were identified, as were reported to the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2019, and this spending area was done, we must be seen to take action and justify this high level of rental costs as opposed to owning the buildings.

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