Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 607: To ask the Minister for Education and Science 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. [27590/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The cost of renting office property for my Department is the responsibility of Property Management Services, Office of Public Works, who act on behalf of Government Departments in relation to the rental/lease of office accommodation. The terms of the leases are a matter for OPW.

In relation to schools, my Department generally grant aids school authorities who use the funds to rent temporary school accommodation. The terms of the leases are a matter for individual boards of management. In eleven schools, my Department has entered into direct rental arrangements for temporary accommodation over the past three years. The rental arrangements were for temporary fixed periods and the rent was fixed for that period. At the end of the period, the rental arrangement will be reviewed and, if appropriate, a revised rental arrangement will be agreed.