Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 7

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Lowry

Question:

72 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the reason the proposed decentralisation of the Revenue Commissioners to Nenagh in County Tipperary has been deferred from early April to a later date for the majority of the staff; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, (1) this delay is causing financial hardship, inconvenience and stress for the staff involved and (2) many staff are now paying for rented accommodation in both Dublin and Nenagh, while others are burdened by double mortgages, and furthermore others have made personal plans such as marriage arrangements on the understanding that they would be based in Nenagh from the first week of April; if there are any proposals to compensate staff involved; if he will outline the dates of moving for sections involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

The latest information from the Office of Public Works is that the new building in Nenagh will not be fully fitted out until the end of May. However, part of the accommodation is expected to be available earlier. The Revenue Commissioners did not quote firm dates for the relocation of staff because the completion of new buildings is obviously a matter that cannot be precisely predicted. Every effort is nevertheless made to give as much advance notice as possible to staff and internal bulletins had provisionally indicated that the first moves to Nenagh should commence in the month of April 1992. This was based on the latest information available to the commissioners at the time and it was always understood that April 1992 was by no means a firm date. In the circumstances no question of compensation arises.