asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry arising out of his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 469 of 28 March 1984, the amount of the £750,000 covering the cost of transferring the BIM staff to Dún Laoghaire that has been actually spent; if he is aware of the fact that the union representing the staff of BIM has publicly announced that they will not support the transfer; such being the case how he proposes to force the staff into the transfer; if the cost of the work was put out to tender; if so the number of tenders received; and if he will give the reason he has reversed the decision of a previous Coalition Minister on whose request the board of BIM decided not to proceed with the transfer, and to sell off its leasehold interest in the new purpose build office block at Dún Laoghaire.
Written Answers. - Bord Iascaigh Mhara Staff Transfer.
528.
The question of the transfer of BIM staff to the new premises at Dún Laoghaire is primarily a matter for the board. Of the £750,000 estimated for the cost of transfer, I understand that the amount spent to date is £149,846. I am also informed that tenders were invited for the fitting out of the new premises and six tenders were received. Tenders will also be sought for the transfer of office furniture and equipment at the appropriate time.
Details of the proposed transfer are a matter for negotiation between the unions concerned and the board. The decision to proceed with the move was made because efforts by the board to sell or lease the Dún Laoghaire premises were not successful.