asked the Taoiseach the total annual rent paid by his Department and each semi-State body under the aegis of his Department in the city of Dublin for office accommodation; the rent per square foot for each office per annum; the length of time to the next rent review; and the property company or landlord to whom the rent is paid.

My Department do not rent office accommodation. The renting of office accommodation by the State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the day-to-day administration of the bodies concerned and is not a matter for which I have statutory responsibility.

I put similar questions to other Ministers, as the Taoiseach is aware, and I should like to know if the Taoiseach is in a position to clarify if (a) the same degree of responsibility attaches to each Government Department and (b) if any Government Minister has responsibility in relation to the rental of office space by semi-State bodies?

I understand that questions are down to a number of Ministers and I suggest that the Minister most involved is the Minister for Finance in his capacity as being in charge of the Office of Public Works. He will be replying to a question from the Deputy on the matter.