Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 1

Written Answers - Central Fisheries Board.

353.Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, further to the recent decision to relocate the Central Fisheries Board to Maynooth on a temporary basis, refurbishing the Glasnevin building was considered; the reasons this was rejected; his proposals on the decentralisation of the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon; if and when this will happen; if his attention has been drawn to the uncertainty these moves present to staff, many of whom live in the vicinity of the Glasnevin building and who now have to temporarily commute to Maynooth with only four weeks' notice; if he will take immediate steps to reassure staff on contracts as to his future plans for them and for the location of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5340/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

As I have previously informed the House, arrangements are being put in place to urgently relocate the staff of the Central Fisheries Board from their current premises in Glasnevin to other accommodation, due to inadequacies in the existing premises on health and safety grounds. Refurbishment of the existing premises, which I am advised is not feasible, would in any event necessitate the relocation of staff for the lengthy duration of works. Temporary relocation has been the subject of ongoing negotiations in which staff representatives of the central board participated since November 2002.

I am committed to the permanent relocation of the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-onShannon. My predecessor gave a commitment to the staff of the central board that these discussions will be advanced on a partnership basis and on the understanding that relocation to Carrick-on-Shannon will be on a voluntary basis and in accordance with the conditions of the Government's programme of de-centralisation of the public service.

Under the Fisheries Acts, responsibility for the overall administration of human resources issues is a matter for the Central Fisheries Board. The terms and conditions of employment of contract staff in 2003 will be a matter for the board to determine when deciding their staffing complement for the year in the context of available funding and having regard to Department of Finance guidelines on recruitment to the public service generally.