Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
255 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if assessments are under way in her Department on the activities proposed for decentralisation; the impact on the operations of the Department; the risks to the organisation attendant on this move; the measures that will be put in place to minimise disruption; and if these reports will be presented to her at an early date for consideration. [1972/04]
View answerUpon the announcement of the decentralisation programme in budget 2004, my Department's management board and I considered what options were available to put into effect the decision to relocate 250 staff to Carlow. I was anxious that every effort should be made to preserve the coherence of the Department's policy development and legislative role by retaining an effective policy advisory and legislative function in Dublin. I was, of course, also keen to ensure coherence in the activities being decentralised.
In this regard, I have decided that staff of the Companies Registration Office, the Office of the Registrar of Friendly Societies, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, the work permits, labour inspectorate, redundancy and insolvency and employment rights sections of my Department should relocate to Carlow. This is a coherent and synergistic set of activities concentrating on services to business, consumers and employees. It will provide a grade structure that will allow for full career development for those officers electing to move, will minimise the potential loss of intellectual capital and corporate memory, and will ensure that my Department's abilities in these roles will not be diminished in any way.
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works have established an implementation committee to prepare and submit an overall implementation plan to a new Cabinet sub-committee by the end of March 2004. My Department is represented on this implementation committee. I expect this committee and the new Cabinet sub-committee to agree a plan for decentralisation that will maximise the effectiveness of decentralisation, and minimise any disruptions and inefficiencies, which may occur within the programme.
My Department has also established a decentralisation committee to oversee the programme within the Department and those of its agencies selected for relocation. This committee will work to ensure that we continue to deliver a quality service to our customers and that the needs of those within the Department who may be affected by decentralisation continue to be addressed.
Officials of my Department are keeping me apprised of developments with regard to the implementation of the programme, which presents considerable challenges to us all.
