Vol. 556 No. 4
51 Mr. O 'Shea 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; the number who have indicated that they will not transfer; when it is expected that relocation will take place; his plans for any further decentralisation of any part of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20517/02]
There are currently 30 posts in the Civil Defence branch of the Department of Defence. To date 12 members of staff serving in the Department have indicated a desire to transfer to Roscrea. In addition over 100 civil servants in other Departments have indicated an interest in transferring to Roscrea. It is expected that the Civil Defence school and branch will relocate to Roscrea in mid-2003.
There are currently no further decentralisation plans for the Department.
Are any groups or individuals refusing to transfer to the out-station in Roscrea?
We are confident that all the vacancies will be filled by voluntary transfer. Already 12 members of staff have indicated their wish to transfer to Roscrea as well as 100 officials from other Departments. This will fill the vacancies there.
All unions and associations have been fully informed of what is happening.
