Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27596/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision of office space for Government Departments. I am informed that generally, with long-term leases, rent reviews and lease breaks are provided for on a five year basis. I understand that where there is provision for a rent review or a lease break, the OPW does enter into negotiations based, in part, on current market values.

As regards my own Department, there are three offices under lease where rent is paid. The rent in each case is fixed but where there is provision for a rent review, I can inform the Deputy that my Department will be negotiating for a review downwards. In some cases, this process has already been initiated in advance of the formal review date.