Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of buildings his Department has rented in each county in the country that are, at present, being fully utilised; the number of buildings his Department rented which are empty, idle and not being used; the cost incurred by the Department in renting these buildings, with separate figures for the ones that are used and the ones that are unused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14511/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently in the process of completing a nationwide comprehensive reorganisation of its Local Office Network. This process, when complete will involve the closure of 42 offices. We are currently well advanced in this programme.

As offices close, they are handed back to OPW for other use or termination of leases. In general, all issues in relation to leases for Government Departments / Offices, including my Department is a matter for the Office of Public Works.

There is one building in Portlaoise which is leased directly by my Department at an annual rent of €39,999.96. This office is fully occupied and utilised.