Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
773. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the proposal by Inland Fisheries Ireland to close its Blackrock office and transfer Blackrock staff to IFI’s new HQ at CityWest and if he will provide a rationale or a business case behind this decision; and if the closure of these offices in Blackrock will provide any savings to the taxpayer. [36799/13]
View answer774. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the proposal by Inland Fisheries Ireland to close its Blackrock office and transfer Blackrock staff to IFI HQ; and if he has satisfied himself that meaningful engagement with staff through the proper industrial relations channels has taken place in relation to this decision. [36800/13]
View answer775. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the proposal by Inland Fisheries Ireland to close its Blackrock office and transfer Blackrock staff to IFI HQ, Swords; if he Is satisfied that his Department has benefitted from a cost benefit analysis in relation to this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36801/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 773 to 775, inclusive, together.
At the outset, I would emphasise that matters in relation to premises and staffing are day to day operational matters for public bodies, in this instance Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). As the Deputy will appreciate, accommodation and staffing are amongst the most significant cost components of public sector bodies and it is incumbent on all agencies to achieve economy and efficiency. In this context, the Deputy will be pleased to learn that the Board of IFI has commenced a strategic rationalisation of its Dublin based accommodation into one location.
On its establishment, IFI had accommodation at three locations in Swords, including leasing a headquarters building, and premises in Glasnevin and Blackrock. As part of this rationalisation, and in keeping with Government policy to exit from expensive leases wherever possible, IFI exercised the break clause on the Swords Headquarters when it arose and has already disposed of the Glasnevin premises.
A key part of the accommodation strategy is the rationalisation and amalgamation of all Dublin property, including the Blackrock Office. This rationalisation strategy will generate efficiencies and also savings over time in relation to lease rents and in terms of the significantly better energy efficiency of the new Headquarters facility in City West, which will also be consistent with Government commitments as regards reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The rationalisation will also assist in financing the fitting out of the new headquarters and other property rationalisations outside Dublin.
I am advised that the current proposal is to transfer Blackrock staff to the new IFI Headquarters Office in Citywest when it is complete and that there is no proposal to transfer staff currently stationed in Blackrock to the current IFI Headquarters Office in Swords. I am further informed that this rationalisation is being undertaken in conformity with Public Financial Procedures, including capital appraisal, and that IFI has engaged with all staff on these matters and are continuing to do so through the normal Industrial Relations channels.
