HSE forks out €27 million a year on rent

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) is spending €27 million a year on rented property — an average of €2.3m a month.

Over the past three years, rentals in respect of land and buildings were €30.284m for 2005, €27.526m for 2006, and €27.631m for last year.

The figures, disclosed under Freedom of Information, come when premises owned by the HSE, and due to be sold, remain idle around the country.