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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 3

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Pat Breen

Question:

51 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the planned decentralisation of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30974/03]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

62 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the contact his Department has had with the Department of Finance on the planned decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30978/03]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

88 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the consultation that has taken place with staff on the proposed decentralisation of his Department announced in the budget; the assessment that has been made of the property or facilities available in the locations chosen; how the locations were chosen; if alternative locations were considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30910/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 62 and 88 together.

The original announcement was made in December 1999. The Minister for Finance has informed me that since then his Department received submissions, representations and inquiries on behalf of more than 130 centres seeking to be included in the new decentralisation programme. The Government had to take account of a wide range of factors when selecting suitable locations for the new offices, including the location of existing decentralised offices and transport links. At present a significant number of my Department's staff serve in Athlone and Tullamore.

Following the announcement by the Minister for Finance of the decentralisation programme in his budget speech, officials in my Department had a briefing meeting with all staff representative unions. Assurance was provided to the staff representative unions that there would be ongoing consultation with them. The decentralisation of my Department was further discussed at a subsequent meeting of the departmental council and at two of my meetings with the Department's management advisory committee.

Officials in my Department have had initial discussions with officials in the Department of Finance. Specific staff in my Department have also been assigned to progress the decentralisation of my Department. They will liaise with the Office of Public Works with regard to office accommodation in Mullingar and Athlone.

It is not possible to be specific about timescales at this early stage in the process. The initial phase of the decentralisation programme will involve discussions with staff unions at central council regarding general issues relevant to all Departments and agencies. The Office of Public Works will produce a report on office accommodation by March 2004. I intend to progress the decentralisation of my Department at the earliest possible date, consistent with the overall approach.

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