Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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180. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the properties his Department and agencies under its remit leased; the number they leased on upward-only rents and the number of the lessors who were involved with the National Asset Management Agency or with any of the State banks; and the details of each lease. [16601/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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All 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, 113 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.