Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Ceisteanna (799, 800, 801)

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

920 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a survey of staff to determine interest in participating in the decentralisation programme has been undertaken in his Department; when it will be completed; and if the results will be published or otherwise made available to Deputies. [2336/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

996 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if assessments are under way in his Department on the activities proposed for decentralisation; the impact on the operations of the Department; the risks to the organisation attendant on this move; the measures that will be put in place to minimise disruption; and if these reports will be presented to him at an early date for consideration. [1983/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

1003 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a survey of staff in his Department has been conducted to ascertain the number willing to take part in the Government decentralisation plans; if he will detail the results of any such survey and the number of staff who wish to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2244/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 920, 996 and 1003 together.

My Department is co-operating actively with the implementation committee and the Department of Finance in relation to the decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004. This envisages the decentralisation of all Dublin based functions of my Department, with the exception of Met Éireann and some local based services, to Wexford, which will serve as headquarters, Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny. Some 660 Dublin based staff are currently involved in discharging these functions. My Department considers that a survey of its staff, and that of other Departments, to determine interest in transferring to these south eastern locations will most valuably be undertaken when greater clarification on detailed arrangements is available following, inter alia, the report of the Implementation Committee.

My Department has set up an internal implementation team for decentralisation which will report regularly to me and my Department's management advisory committee. I intend that there will be full and timely communication with staff of the Department on the progress of the decentralisation programme, through the Department's partnership committee and otherwise. My Department is also committed to developing innovative approaches to information management, communications and logistics so as to maintain and improve the quality of service to be delivered under decentralised arrangements and to minimise disruption.

Barr
Roinn