Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
208 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has carried out a risk assessment of the decentralisation plans announced by the Minister for Finance on budget day, in so far as they may impact either directly or indirectly on his Department, or an agency or body operating under the aegis of his Department; when he expects to receive the risk assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6004/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo assessment of the type described by the Deputy has been carried out by my Department. Civil-military working groups have been set up to consider the practical aspects of the transfer of staff to Newbridge and the Curragh. In that regard, appropriate measures will be put in place to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the operations of the Department and of Defence Forces headquarters.
209 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the locations to which any part of his Department has already been decentralised; the years in which each such decentralisation took place; the total number of staff who are now employed by his Department in each such location; the number of such staff who were relocated from within his Department; the number of such staff who were transferred from other Departments; the number of such staff who were directly recruited; the total number of job changes and people changes which were required to achieve the decentralisation; the cost of the decentralisation to each such location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6019/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the finance branch of my Department was decentralised to Galway in 1989. Of the 176 staff who relocated, 43 were already serving in my Department while 133 transferred from other Departments. The move to Galway was over-subscribed in terms of applicants from all grades and it was not necessary to recruit locally for administrative posts. Ten staff were recruited in the services and telephonist areas. There were no relocation expenses paid. There are currently 194 people employed in the finance branch of my Department. The Deputy will also be aware that the Directorate of Military Police, Directorate of Reserve Forces and Headquarters 1 Southern Brigade FCA, comprising 23 military personnel in all, decentralised to Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary, in 2001.
210 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff within his Department who have to date volunteered for the programme of decentralisation announced by the Minister for Finance on budget day; the grades of the staff concerned; and the locations for which they have volunteered. [6034/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo survey of staff interest in regard to the programme of decentralisation announced by the Minister for Finance in December 2003 has been conducted in my Department.
