186 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Finance the number of buildings his Department is renting within the State; the rental 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. [12289/10]

The Office of Public Works, under the auspices of the Department of Finance, rents space in some 430 buildings by way of 511 payable leases on behalf of Government departments and agencies.

Those leases, which exceed €5,000 per annum per lease, attracted a total cost in the region of €121 million for 2009. The average term of these leases is 18 years ranging from part year to 20 years plus. All buildings occupied by my Department are provided by the Office of Public Works.