asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the arrangements to date concerning the proposed transfer of the Departments of Lands and Education to Castlebar and Athlone respectively, indicating in particular the number of staff in each category in each Department which the Government propose to transfer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decentralisation of Government Departments.
198.
The major initial effort continues to be concentrated on the provision of modern office buildings at Castlebar and Athlone. The necessary land for this purpose has been acquired and considerable progress has been made on the planning of these offices.
Consultations have been held with the staff organisations on matters affecting the staffs of the two Departments concerned. It has so far been agreed that officers in general service grades up to and including that of higher executive officer will not be transferred to the new locations otherwise than on a voluntary basis. The consultation will be continued and it is not possible at this stage to furnish more precise details in regard to staff transfers.
Question No. 199 postponed.