Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014
415. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, is continuing to proceed to reallocate staff from its offices in Blackrock, County Dublin, to City West despite the fact that staff at IFI, Blackrock are in dispute regarding the decision to move to City West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2887/14]
View answer416. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, has provided to him a cost-benefit analysis regarding its decision to close its Blackrock office and move its operations to City West, Dublin; and the savings that are anticipated during the next five years for IFI as a result of this move. [2888/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together.
Issues relating to accommodation and staffing are day- to-day operational matters for public bodies, in this instance Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Accommodation and staffing are among the most significant cost components of public sector organisations and it is incumbent on all agencies to achieve economy and efficiency. In this context, the Board of IFI has commenced a strategic rationalisation of its Dublin based accommodation. 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 savings over time in relation to lease rents. In addition, 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, will also generate efficiencies. 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. I am further informed that this rationalisation is being undertaken in conformity with Public Financial Procedures, including capital appraisal, and that IFI has consistently engaged with all staff on these matters and are continuing to do so through the normal Industrial Relations channels.
