My Department has been making good progress in implementing its decentralisation programme and has been selected for inclusion among the organisations listed as the potential "early movers" of the decentralisation programme. Under the decentralisation programme, approximately 300 core staff from my Department will be relocated to Carlow.
As required by the third report of the decentralisation group, my Department is updating its decentralisation implementation plan, which sets out how the staffing, training, customer service, business continuity and risk assessment issues associated with this major undertaking will be addressed over the coming months. In addition, a number of the decentralising business units are in the process of upgrading systems and work processes to ensure a smooth transition during the relocation process.
My Department is working closely with the Office of Public Works on the procurement of a site in Carlow. In this regard, we understand that OPW is at an advanced stage in the site acquisition process. At this stage in the process, the Department does not envisage renting temporary accommodation in Carlow.