Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
45 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by staff of the Central Fisheries Board at the proposal to relocate the board to Carrick-on-Shannon; if no members of the staff have indicated a wish to relocate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19224/04]
View answerThe proposal to relocate the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon is being pursued as part of the Government's wider decentralisation programme and as such will be undertaken in accordance with the proposals of the decentralisation implementation group's report. All public servants, including the Central Fisheries Board staff, have an opportunity to apply through the central applications facility, CAF, on a voluntary basis for the decentralised location of their choice and to rank their preferences for different locations.
Information gathered through the CAF during this first phase until 8 July 2004 will be analysed by the Civil Service Commission and passed to the decentralisation implementation group, providing it with the information required for the next phase of the implementation plan. I understand relevant information will be made available to individual Departments and agencies and staff interests, after which it will be possible to make an initial determination of the numbers of staff interested in relocating to various locations, including Carrick-on-Shannon.
I am advised that management of the Central Fisheries Board has been as proactive and supportive as possible in helping staff to consider all the options open to them recognising that the decision is ultimately a matter for each individual, having regard to his or her own circumstances and the entirely voluntary nature of the project.
