Vol. 576 No. 6
191 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the staff or staff representatives in his Department or boards or agencies under the aegis of his Department, which had been consulted in regard to the proposals on decentralisation set out in the budget statement of the Minister for Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30286/03]
The Secretary General of my Department briefed the management committee, the heads of function and all staff of my Department immediately following the announcement in relation to decentralisation by the Minister for Finance on Wednesday, 3 December. The chairman of the staff panel was also briefed and the announcement will be discussed at partnership committee and departmental council meetings this week. The chairman and chief executive of both non-commercial State bodies affected, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Central Fisheries Board, were also notified at around the same time.
192 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the selection process used to decide on each such location in respect of each location identified in phase 1, 2 and 3 of the proposed programme of decentralisation set out in the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance, in respect of his Department, or boards, or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the other locations that were considered; the criteria which were used to evaluate different possible locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30301/03]
The Minister for Finance has outlined the range of factors which have been taken into account and balanced against each other in selecting Departments-agencies for decentralisation and for locations for the new decentralised offices including my Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Central Fisheries Board.
193 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the functions or sections of his Department, or boards or agencies under the aegis of his Department, it is proposed to decentralise in respect of each location identified in phase 1, 2 and 3 of the proposed programme of decentralisation set out in the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance; the grades and numbers of staff who will be transferred; the estimated total payroll costs of those staff; the size of the office space that will be required for their accommodation; the inquiries which have been made to date regarding availability of office space at each such location; the estimated cost of such office space; the estimated total costs of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30316/03]
As the Minister for Finance announced in the Budget, the headquarters of my Department are being transferred to Cavan, with a target number of 425 jobs. Bord Iascaigh Mhara, 150 jobs, is being transferred to Clonakilty and the Central Fisheries Board, 40 jobs, to Carrick-on-Shannon. The specific personnel, financial and accommodation details of implementation will proceed to be progressed under the aegis of the implementation committee established by the Minister for Finance.
194 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the legislation required to allow for decentralisation of any section of his Department; the section involved; the legislation which must be amended; the timetable for the publication of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30346/03]
I am not aware of any specific amending legislation required to achieve the decentralisation of my Department.
