Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the new Caranua premises are owned or leased by the OPW, Office of Public Works; the nature of the lease in question between the OPW and Caranua or the OPW and another party but by which Caranua will be allowed to use the premises; the amount of rent that Caranua will pay annually; if Caranua has paid rent to the OPW since its foundation in 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, if so, the amount of same and the nature of that lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24869/17]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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196. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the lease at a location (details supplied); the terms, rent payable and duration of same between the OPW and Caranua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24870/17]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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197. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the nature of the arrangement, lease or other agreement at a location (details supplied) between his Department and the Department of Education and Skills; if rent is paid; and if so, the details of same. [24871/17]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, together.

In 2013, the Commissioners of Public Works were asked by the Department of Education and Skills to provide office accommodation for CARANUA on the basis that CARANUA would meet the appropriate rental costs. The Commissioners provided CARANUA with space in 24/27 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1 (a building leased by the Commissioners). The lease on Frederick Court is between the Commissioners of Public Works and the Landlord.

Rent was not paid by CARANUA for its occupation of Frederick Court for the period since its foundation in 2013 to 31 May 2016. It was subsequently agreed with CARANUA that it would pay rent on Frederick Court commencing 1 June 2016 in the amount of €106,000 per annum. The first instalment has been received with the second instalment expected shortly. This arrangement was dealt with by way of a simple agreement between the Commissioners of Public Works and CARANUA.

As the lease on Frederick Court is expiring, it will be necessary to vacate that premises. The Commissioners of Public Works have offered CARANUA space in newly leased premises on James Joyce Street, Dublin 1. The lease is being taken by the Commissioners of Public Works for use by another State agency and CARANUA are being offered accommodation in the building. This will be dealt with by way of a simple agreement between the Commissioners of Public Works and CARANUA. The amount of rent due to be paid by CARANUA for the new office accommodation amounts to €188,589.55 plus VAT per annum. This increased rent arises from the provision of a larger area of accommodation to CARANUA.

It is the remit of the Commissioners to provide accommodation for Government Departments and certain agencies. The Commissioners are funded by the Exchequer to meet the rental costs that arise in the provision of leased accommodation for these. Accordingly, the Department of Education and Skills does not pay rent for its accommodation in Frederick Court.