Vol. 533 No. 4
111 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to staff transfers arising from the closure of Clancy Barracks, Dublin 8; if all staff will be given a choice of new location; if staff living in Dublin will have an option of a Dublin barracks rather than the Curragh, County Kildare; if he will outline plans for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9303/01]
I have recently met with both the closure committee in Clancy Barracks and representatives from the joint industrial council for State employees to review progress in the matter of accommodating staff who will be required to move following the closure of Clancy Barracks later this year. Of the 91 staff still remaining in Clancy Barracks, the present position is that upwards of 11 are expected to opt for the voluntary early retirement package, 14 will be transferred to other locations in the Dublin area, three have indicated their willingness to transfer to the Curragh, 29 have indicated a preference to remain in the Dublin area, 33 have expressed no preference and one staff member will have retired. A number of vacancies still remain to be filled in the Dublin area and staff in Clancy Barracks have been invited to apply for these posts. Seniority is one of the factors which is taken into account when filling such posts. My Department is in discussions at present with other Departments and State agencies regarding the possibility of some personnel transferring to those Departments and agencies.
In relation to the person referred to in the Deputy's question, I understand the employee concerned has not as of yet expressed any preference. Accordingly, I suggest that he should contact the information desk in Clancy Barracks which is staffed by officials from my Department where the specific options open to him can be discussed and explained.
