Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 44: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the numbers and locations of his Department's buildings that are currently in upwardly-only rent review contracts; and the rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21889/11]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 45: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the numbers and locations of buildings his Department leases that are in upwardly-only rent contracts; and the amounts of these rents for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the expected rents for 2011. [21890/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.

The rent contracts in relation to all properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are negotiated by the Office of Public Works (OPW). 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 increases on renewal of leases are generally in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the particular country. 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.