I propose to take Questions Nos. 286, 287 and 289 to 291, inclusive, together.
Following on the Government's decision in relation to decentralisation of my Department, it is the responsibility of the Secretary General and the Department to ensure that this decision is implemented efficiently and in a cost effective manner. A key objective of the decentralisation programme for my Department will be to ensure that the relocation of staff and business areas is implemented in a planned way with minimal disruption to customer service.
A detailed implementation plan covering all aspects of the programme for my Department and its two agencies involved is currently being finalised and will be submitted to the Decentralisation Implementation Group in the coming week. This plan will include a high level risk analysis will be undertaken over the coming months by each business unit involved in the programme. The audit committee of my Department will review the structures and arrangements in place to identify and deal with the risks associated with decentralisation.
The undertaking of a risk analysis is a standard aspect of my Department's planning process. It is not my intention to publish the findings or to include details of this analysis in my Department's annual report. However, details will be made available to the Comptroller and Auditor General on request and any freedom of information requests will be dealt with within the freedom of information framework.