523 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of buildings his Department is renting within the State; the costs of these rentals in 2009; the average length of the leases of these buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12284/10]

My Department does not pay rent in respect of properties occupied by its staff. That function, and all matters relating to the acquisition and leasing of property, are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

However, I can confirm to the Deputy that 7 properties are being leased on my Department's behalf by the OPW. These comprise:

my Department's headquarters building in Dublin;

two properties in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, in which staff relocated under the Decentralisation Programme are being accommodated on an interim basis;

two local offices in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal, and Acaill, Co. Mayo from Údarás na Gaeltachta; and

two warehousing facilities in Finglas, Dublin, and Tullamore, Co. Offaly.