Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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228. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason no proper consultation has taken place between the Office of Public Works, the Department of Social Protection and property owners in Ballybay, County Monaghan, to find an alternative premises to ensure that the Department of Social Protection jobs will be retained in Ballybay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10113/15]

Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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229. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps that have been taken by his Department and the Office of Public Works to have an alternative premises in Ballybay, County Monaghan, made available to the Department of Social Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10114/15]

Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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230. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason, despite the fact that four property owners (details supplied) in Ballybay, County Monaghan, have offered their premises to the Office of Public Works, and have undertaken to do any upgrading works necessary at their own expense, his Department has failed and refused to engage with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10115/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together.

The Commissioners of Public Works have assessed the suitability of accommodation in Ballybay based on the Department of Social Protection's brief of accommodation requirements. The Commissioners currently lease two adjoining buildings in Ballybay which are not considered appropriate for the Department's existing business processes or future operational requirements.

The Commissioners have investigated other options in Ballybay and have inspected a number of properties, including those referred to by the Deputy, with a view to potentially adapting a building to meet the Department of Social Protection's requirements. Significant investment would be required to bring the proposed properties up to modern standards which would not be financially sustainable based on prevailing rental levels.

In this context, the Department of Social Protection has decided to move the current facilities to premises in Monaghan town that will fully meet the Department's accommodation brief. In addition, the new location can also facilitate the Department's requirement to establish a public office for issuing Public Service Cards in County Monaghan.