As the Deputy will be aware, the 2003 Decentralisation Programme, which set out a goal of relocating over 10,000 civil and public service jobs to 53 locations in 25 counties, was deactivated by the Government in 2011. This was in light of the budgetary and staffing constraints affecting the public service at that time. Up to that date, about a third of the target numbers, over 3,400 posts were decentralised.
Over 50% of civil servants are now working in offices located outside of Dublin.
A further programme for decentralisation is not being considered by the Government at this present time.
You will be aware that the Civil Service Mobility scheme was recently developed under Action 15 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan and is now in the final stages of roll out. This is a very welcomed development for so many civil servants who wish to either relocate, or to move within their location to a new organisation.
The scheme, which is being implemented on a phased basis, went live over 2018 and 2019 for the general civil service grades of Clerical Officer and Executive Officer to apply for a move between and within 46 location zones through an open and transparent automated system.
Current figures show that over 5,000 staff have applied (25% of participating grades) with over 550 moves complete. 1,240 Dublin-based staff (14% of participating grades) have applied for Mobility to organisations located outside of Dublin with 104 moves complete. 973 Dublin-based staff (8% of participating grades) have applied to remain in Dublin and move to a different organisation.
This month the scheme extended to the grade of Assistant Principal, and plans are on target for the scheme to incorporate the grades of Higher Executive Officer and Administrative Officer in the first half of 2021. When this phase is complete Mobility will be in place for all general civil service grades from Clerical Officer up to Assistant Secretary.
Further information on the Mobility scheme and the interactive map which shows details of all civil service buildings can be found at http://hr.per.gov.ie/civil-service-mobility/
You may also be aware that work is underway on the next renewal plan, Civil Service Renewal 2030. This strategy will outline an ambitious programme of reform for the Irish Civil Service over a 10 year period. Changes in how we work and where we work as a result of the pandemic will inform this plan.
The public health requirements brought about by the pandemic have led to the transformation of work arrangements across all sectors and businesses. It has highlighted the potential for the Civil Service to work from locations beyond the 'traditional office'. Like many other organisations the Civil Service has shown that much of the work previously carried out in offices can be done remotely.
Our experience over the last six months has shown that we must now consider new and alternative work practices that can achieve positive outcomes for our Civil Service. Different working models are possible, one of which is the concept of regional Government office “hubs”.
Similar to many Government buildings in provincial towns, establishing well located departmental office hubs is certainly one option for consideration. Hub spaces facilitate remote working for those where home based work is not a real alternative beyond COVID. They also have the potential to address staff commuting issues and the cost issues associated with a concentration in Dublin and the Central Business District.
Any decision to set up regional hubs requires: careful analysis of the most suitable locations; must meet the operational needs of Government departments; and must be consistent with the National Planning Framework. As part the analysis on regional hubs over 18,500 Civil Servants nationwide to-date have shared their views on this issue through the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey.
