Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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51. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify the way in which income derived from telecom masts at Garda stations is accounted for; and if it is returned to the central fund or if the OPW retains part of it for capital works in the Garda estates portfolio. [23384/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by my officials in the Office of Public Works that all licence fees from operators on telecommunication masts managed by the OPW are collected quarterly in advance.  The fees are payable to the OPW and are subject to VAT at 23%. 

That income is subsequently allocated as follows:

• 11% of all licence feescollected plus VAT is transferred to the OPW’s agent who is contracted to manage mast sites on behalf of the OPW;
• 30% of the licence fees collectedin respect of Garda Masts is transferred to the Department of Justice.
• The balance of the licence fees, less minor expenses, is surrendered to the Exchequer as part of Appropriations in Aid on the OPW's Vote.