Fergus O'Dowd
Question:884 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants that expressed an interest in moving to Drogheda as part of her decentralisation plan. [12018/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (817, 818, 819, 820)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:885 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date in identifying suitable sites in Drogheda for the decentralisation of her Department and the number of sites; if each site was evaluated on its suitability; and when she expects to make her final decision. [12019/04]
View answerFergus O'Dowd
Question:886 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the units within her Department which will be moving to Drogheda as part of the decentralisation process; and the number of such staff and civil service grade of each. [12020/04]
View answerFergus O'Dowd
Question:887 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she anticipates re-assigned staff from other Departments will move to her Department as part of the decentralisation process. [12021/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 884 to 887, inclusive, together.
The transfer of some parts of my Department to Drogheda will be undertaken as part of the Government's decentralisation programme as announced last December. It will involve major changes in my Department. A key objective will be to ensure that the programme is implemented in a planned way, with due regard to the effects on staff and the maintenance of high standards of service.
The Drogheda office will house senior management and general headquarters. It will accommodate 300 staff across all Civil Service grades.
At present I do not know the overall number of civil servants that wish to relocate to Drogheda. Recently my Department carried out an internal survey. It indicated that 120 staff currently serving in my Department are interested in a move to the location.
The overall provision of staff for Drogheda will be managed by the Civil Service Commission through the central applications facility. It is expected that the first round of applications will be invited in the near future and the assignment of new staff to my Department will follow in due course.
At present the Office of Public Works is in the process of securing suitable accommodation for my Department in Drogheda. It is expected that information regarding options available will be provided shortly.
A final date for the completion of moves will not be known until all accommodation and staff recruitment issues are concluded.