132 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance whether the Office of Public Works intends providing permanent accommodation for driver testers in Galway; if so, when; whether such accommodation has been located and rented; if so, the date on which the lease was signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16426/96]

133 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance whether the Office of Public Works is paying rent in two locations for accommodation for driver testers in Galway city; if so, the period for which this rent has been paid; when permanent accommodation will be made available; the rent per week being paid in each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16427/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

The Commissioners of Public Works advise me that a new premises for a driving test centre has been leased at the Westside Shopping Centre, Galway. The agreement dates from 5 February 1966 and it is expected that the new space will be ready for occupation early in 1997. This is the only accommodation in Galway for which the Commissioners are currently paying a rent in respect of the driver testers. Space previously occupied by the driver testers at the Murrough has been allocated for other Civil Service accommodation. The driver testers are currently accommodated in space leased by the Department of the Environment.

It is customary to disclose rental details on individual properties as this is a matter of contract between the Commissioners and the landlord.