Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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93. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the overpayment of rent at a location (details supplied); the contacts that his officials have had with the landlord since November 2021; if any solutions have been identified; and when he expects to recoup this overpayment. [31177/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for her continued interest in the resolution of this case.

Since we previously spoke on this issue, intensive discussions have taken place at a senior level in the OPW and senior management representing the landlord. In fact, in excess of 20 contacts have been made between the parties ranging from meetings, telephone discussions and other communications in the past number of months. The intensity of this engagement illustrates the complexity of matters that needed to be resolved. I am pleased to report that, with significant goodwill on both sides, the parties have now arrived at an agreement in principle that will resolve the matter. Currently legal representatives are finalising the necessary formal documentation following which the OPW expects to be in a position to complete the agreement.

The OPW envisages that the matter will be formally brought to a conclusion in a manner that is acceptable to both parties over the coming weeks.

The Deputy will appreciate that the matters under consideration involve complex, commercial, property transactions and the issue remains sensitive until finalised.

The rent being paid by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) in respect of the offices at Block 1, Miesian Plaza continues to be in accordance with the terms of the lease.