Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 2

Written Answers. - Legal Aid Service.

Seán Ryan

Question:

23 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the latest position regarding the proposed move of the headquarters of the Legal Aid Board to Caherciveen; if agreement has been reached with staff concerned; the number of staff, and the grades in each case, who have indicated that they are not willing to transfer to Caherciveen; the number of new staff who will have to be recruited; the estimated total cost of the proposed move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11179/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I refer the Deputy to my comprehensive answer to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 7 March 2000 which outlined the current position in relation to these matters.

Further to my reply of 7 March 2000 I understand that the Department of Finance has since issued a draft interdepartmental circular to the relevant staff representative unions for their observations and that their responses are expected shortly. While I cannot pre-empt the outcome of this consultative process, I understand that it may be possible for the Department of Finance to issue the circular throughout the Civil Service next month seeking applicants for decentralisation to the Legal Aid Board office in Caherciveen.

I am also informed that matters relating to the acquisition of a site for the relocated head office of the board are still in progress and that the Office of Public Works is currently drawing up a panel of developers-contractors who will be invited to tender for the design and construction of the new premises once matters relating to the purchase of the site are finalised.