Under the decentralisation programme announced recently by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, all sections of my Department based in Dublin will move to the towns of Drogheda – 300 jobs, Buncrana – 120 jobs, Donegal – 230 jobs, Carrick-on-Shannon – 225 jobs and Sligo – 100 jobs. The locations of specific sections have not yet been finalised. The Department's information services division will also be relocated, although the location has yet to be determined. The Combat Poverty Agency and Comhairle, which are under the aegis of my Department, will be relocated to Monaghan and Carrickmacross, respectively. The sections of my Department to be relocated which are currently housed in leased accommodation in Dublin are Oisín House in Pearse Street, Gandon House in Amiens Street, Landen House in Townsend Street and No. 3 Parnell Square. Details in respect of leases and rents on these properties are a matter for the Office of Public Works. I have no views on the decentralisation of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, although I would like to state that there is more water in Cavan than in Leeson Lane.
