Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2005

Tuesday, 1 February 2005

Questions (29)

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

27 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the latest information available from the central applications facility in respect of applications from civil servants and other public servants located in Dublin who wish to transfer to new locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the way in which this compares with the Government target of 10,300; his views on the potential loss of skills and expertise for specialist State agencies should they be decentralised, in view of the fact that so few persons are willing to transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2488/05]

Written answers

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The latest figures from the central applications facility show there is very substantial interest in the programme. During the period for priority applications — 7 September 2004 — 8,958 applications made up of 8,152 civil servants and 806 public servants were received by the Public Appointments Service, formerly the Civil Service Commission. Of these, 4,813 were from people — 4,236 civil servants and 577 public servants — located in Dublin. New applications for decentralisation continue to be received. Since the period for priority applications finished in September 2004, over 500 new applications have been received.

There are particular issues that arise in dealing with the State agencies. The correct approach is to tease out the issues and develop good long-term solutions in consultation with all the parties involved. This is the approach being adopted by the Flynn group. I am confident that the programme will proceed and will be successfully completed in due course. The results are encouraging and provide a very good base from which to move forward.