Jan O'Sullivan
Question:56 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the progress made by his Department regarding decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24457/01]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
The Deputy will be aware that, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, the Government decided to decentralise the Civil Defence branch of my Department to Roscrea, County Tipperary. The Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision of official accommodation for Departments, is in discussions with the owners of a building in Roscrea. I understand these discussions are ongoing.
It was also decided that two sections of Defence Forces headquarters, namely the Directorate of Training and the Directorate of Reserve Forces will be relocated from Dublin to Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary. Building refurbishment work, which is required to facilitate this relocation, is under way.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 13.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:58 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff who have consented to transfer to the new location in respect of the proposed transfer of the Civil Defence School from Dublin to Roscrea, County Tipperary; the number who have indicated that they will not transfer; the steps which are being taken to ensure that the school continues to have the required number of suitably qualified staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24445/01]
Of the 30 staff serving in the Civil Defence branch of my Department, one has indicated a willingness to transfer to Roscrea. Applications to transfer to Roscrea will be invited in the near future from civil servants in all Departments and I am confident that, prior to relocation, the required number of suitably trained and qualified staff will be in place. To date more than 100 civil servants serving in other Departments have indicated a desire to transfer to my Department for the purpose of working in the Civil Defence Branch in Roscrea.