Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
576 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if a survey of staff in his Department has been conducted to ascertain the number willing to take part in the Government decentralisation plans; if he will detail the results of any such survey and the number of staff who wish to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2238/04]
View answerA survey on decentralisation is being conducted in my Department, the results of which will not be available until next month. I will arrange to forward details of the results to the Deputy when they are available.
578 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to decentralise the Higher Education and Training Awards Council to Edenderry, County Offaly, given that up to 70% of the staff are opposed to the move; his plans to facilitate the public servants who do not wish to move; and if his attention has been drawn to a document from his predecessor to the effect that the HETAC would be located in Dublin. [2248/04]
View answerIt is proposed to transfer the Higher Education and Trainng Awards Council to Edenderry, County Offaly, as part of the programme of decentralisation announced on 3 December 2003. The programme will be implemented on a voluntary basis and there will be no redundancies. At this early stage, it is not possible to indicate how public servants who do not wish to move will be facilitated. However, the issues raised by the Deputy will be considered as part of the overall process of implementation.
