Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself with the fact that the Office of Public works has granted a 24% increase in the rent back dated to January 2008 for office accommodation in respect of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at Dockgate, Galway city in view of the fact that it is the highest rent being paid outside of Dublin; if he will explain the connection with a former director of Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28166/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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An independent arbitrator was appointed to determine the rent payable for office accommodation at Dockgate, Galway City. In this regard, the Office of Public Works (OPW) maintained in their submissions to the arbitrator that no rent increase was justified while the landlord maintained his position that an increase was merited. The Arbitrator's determination, which is legally binding on the concerned parties as provided for under the lease, provided for an annual increase of the order of 24% in the monies payable. OPW's relationship with the landlord of any premises is governed solely by the terms and conditions of the lease and the matter raised is outside OPW's remit.