Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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181. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the steps he took in advertising for an available and suitable building to house the Department of Social Protection offices, which the Government intends on moving from Ballybay, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2260/16]

Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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182. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the tendering process in obtaining alternative office space for the Department of Social Protection offices which are currently located in Ballybay, County Monagahan; the replies he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2261/16]

Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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183. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the square footage of the building he has chosen in Monaghan town to re-locate the Department of Social Protection offices currently in Ballybay in County Monaghan; the square footage of the existing building in Ballybay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2262/16]

Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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184. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the annual rent agreed on the building which he has chosen in Monaghan town, to re-locate the Department of Social Protection offices, which are currently located in Ballybay; if this rent equates with rents for similar buildings in Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/16]

Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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185. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any public representatives, and in particular any public representatives in County Monaghan or County Cavan at any stage, whether in verbal, written or electronic communication asked him to take into consideration, the building which he has chosen to re-locate the Department of Social Protection Offices, which are currently located in Ballybay, County Monaghan; the person who first brought this building to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 to 185, inclusive, together.

The Commissioners have recently signed a lease for part of a building in Monaghan town for the Department of Social Protection following an extensive search of marketed properties. The building was selected having regard to a number of key criteria including location, size, accessibility, condition and rent. The leased buildings in Ballybay amount to 7,062 sq ft while the lease in Monaghan Town is 5,045 sq ft which includes nearly 1,200 sq ft of basement storage space. Having regard to rent, the annual rent for the lease in Monaghan town is €39,500. This is materially less than the current rents, €53,427, in Ballybay, and will result in an ongoing annual saving to the Exchequer. The Commissioners are also of the view that the new rent in Monaghan is at a competitive market level having regard to the quality and location of the building. The Commissioners have confirmed that no representations were received from any elected representatives in relation to the building in Monaghan Town.