Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1220: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs in respect of the offices and properties which his Department are currently renting, if he would give a breakdown of all leasehold interests to include building size, current rent, lease terms, rent reviews, break options, landlord service charges, car parking and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32853/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department pays the rent on office space in one building in the State, Ground Floor, Findlater House, 27-31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. The lease on these premises was negotiated by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department .

The details requested by the Deputy are as follows:

The area rented is 636 metres square. The rental cost in 2010 is €419,175. The lease is for 4 years and 11 months and runs from March 2007 to February 2012. There are no rent reviews or break options in the lease agreement. Landlord service charges are €20,840 per annum and there are two car parking spaces provided.

All other rent commitments relating to properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs are discharged by the Office of Public Works.

In addition, 110 properties are rented by my Department outside the State for use primarily as offices and official residences. Rental agreements vary from country to country in accordance with local law and practice. Leases are usually for a fixed period and many include rent review clauses.

Rent levels abroad are reviewed each year. In addition, in the current economic climate, all our Missions are routinely instructed to explore the scope for negotiated reductions, having regard to local market conditions.