Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

207 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to decentralise more sections from his Department's head office in Dublin to Ballybay, County Monaghan, in order to accommodate a significant number of civil servants presently based in Dublin and who wish to transfer to Ballybay for commuting and family reasons; his plans to create a second post at higher executive grade in Ballybay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19735/02]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

208 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to decentralise more sections from his Department head office in Dublin to Cavan in order to accommodate a significant number of civil servants presently based in Dublin and who wish to transfer to Cavan for commuting and family reasons; his plans to create a second post at higher executive grade in Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19736/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.

I have no plans at present to decentralise more sections from my Department's head office in Dublin to either Cavan or Ballybay, County Monaghan, or to create additional posts at these locations. My Department is already heavily decentralised; 74% of staff are located outside of Dublin. However, procedures and the deployment of staff at all offices are under ongoing review with the aim of ensuring the best possible service to its clients.