Vol. 577 No. 3
171 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has consulted with the boards or management or staff of the agencies under the aegis of his Department in regard to proposals to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30948/03]
185 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number in respect of the sections of his Department or boards or agencies operating under the aegis of his Department, it is proposed to decentralise which are housed in leased office space or premises; the annual amount paid in rent in each case; when the lease runs out in each case; if there are financial penalties involved in the breaking of the lease in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31295/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 185 together.
Full details of the Government's decision on decentralisation of 10,300 staff from Departments and the Office of Public Works were outlined by the Minister for Finance in the Budget Statement. This decision includes plans to decentralise staff from the headquarters of my Department to Portlaoise; An Bord Bia and An Bord Glas to Enniscorthy, as well as Teagasc to Carlow. In addition, staff from Cork city will be relocated to Macroom. The chairpersons and chief executives of the State agencies have been informed of the decision.
The detailed arrangements, including office accommodation requirements, for decentralising the staff concerned will be addressed by my Department and the relevant agencies over the coming months. There will be full consultation with staff and their representatives on all aspects of the decentralisation.
