Vol. 547 No. 4
43 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress being made by the sub-committee overseeing the relocation of the Marine Institute to Galway; the discussions there have been with staff or union representatives; the estimated cost of the relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3505/02]
The departmental council sub-committee is continuing its very positive work to progress the relocation of the Marine Institute. The sub-committee comprises staff, unions, and management. The process of dialogue has been undertaken throughout in line with the principles of partnership and free and open exchange. The staff has voted in favour of an interim collective agreement. Negotiations on the implementation of specific aspects of this agreement are under way.
The Marine Institute has established interim headquarters in Galway and the board had its first meeting there in January 2002. Staff has begun the process of moving to Galway and the Marine Institute has begun to recruit staff locally. A voluntary severance scheme is also in operation. I will brief the House further on developments and on the estimated costs of the relocation as soon as these are available.
