Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2004

Wednesday, 28 January 2004

Questions (128)

Gay Mitchell

Question:

239 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will keep to the spirit of the legislation setting up NCEA/HETAC and the undertaking given by the Minister, that HETAC would remain located in Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that more than 70% of HETAC staff do not wish to move out of Dublin; if he will confirm that those who wish to stay in Dublin will be allowed to; and his plans to facilitate this if the move goes ahead. [2346/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The decentralisation policy decided by the Government and announced by the Minister for Finance on budget day 2003 provides for the transfer of some 10,300 civil servants to various locations outside of Dublin. Included in this policy is the transfer of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, HETAC, and its 32 staff to Edenderry, County Offaly.

It is not open to me to make an exception to this stated Government policy nor do I see any reason this should be done. I would reiterate that the decentralisation is voluntary and that those members of HETAC staff who do not wish to transfer to the organisation's new location will not be compelled to do so. It has also been made clear that this policy will be implemented in an orderly fashion with full consultation with staff interests.

Question No. 240 withdrawn.