Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 6

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the procedures likely to apply in regard to civil servants seeking a transfer to one of the decentralised Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30450/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

156 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the timescale for the decentralisation proposals which he announced recently, with particular reference to the implementation of the necessary preparations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30451/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.

As I mentioned in my budget speech on 3 December, I have appointed an implementation committee which will be responsible for driving forward the implementation of the decentralisation programme. In addition, a joint unit of the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works has been established to support the committee and to liaise with other Departments and offices. The implementation committee has been charged with developing a detailed implementation plan and an associated communications strategy in co-operation with the relevant organisations. The plan will address issues such as sequencing of various moves, acquiring and financing new offices, the associated rationalisation of Government property in Dublin, the scope for pooling common services between Departments and the major human resource issues that will need to be addressed. The chairman of the committee will report to me and attend meetings of the special Cabinet sub-committee being established. The implementation committee has been asked to report by the end of March 2004.

I am not in a position, pending receipt of the report, to give precise details or a schedule for any of the proposed moves. However, the Deputy can be assured that every possible measure will be taken to ensure the plan proceeds as quickly and as effectively as possible. I have made clear that I am convinced that significant progress can be made in the next three years. The exact procedures which will apply in the cases of civil servants seeking a transfer to a decentralised Department will be dealt with as part of the implementation process and will be discussed with the public service unions. Each Minister will establish a special implementation unit in his or her Department, which will report to the management advisory committee and the Minister. The existing partnership structures in each Department will deal with any implementation related issues specific to it. I confirm that the programme will be implemented on a voluntary basis and that, as on previous occasions, the payment of removal or relocation expenses will not arise.

Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 68.