118 Mr. V. Brady asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the properties either owned or leased, by the State; and if he has satisfied himself that the total space is fully utilised, both economically and physically, to the best effect.

There are some 3,000 individual properties owned or leased within the State's portfolio. It would not be feasible in the time available to collate and check the full information sought in the Deputy's question. If the Deputy is concerned about particular properties and communicates them to me, I will provide him with the requisite details, having due regard to the standard practice of not divulging details of commercial transactions with third parties, without the consent of those parties.

The amount of usable vacant office and ancillary space held by the State at present is insignificant, being less than 1 per cent of the total portfolio. I am satisfied that the optimum use of space is being made.