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Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Ceisteanna (50, 51)

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

36 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the steps that were taken in the decentralisation programme since it was first announced in 1999; the consultations that took place with staff associations and otherwise between 1999 and the detailed announcement in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8919/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I announced in my budget speech in December 1999 that the Government intended to proceed with a new, more radical programme of decentralisation. Since that announcement, my Department received submissions, representations and inquiries on behalf of more than 130 centres throughout the country seeking to be included in the new programme. There was extensive consultation with interested parties including meetings at official level between the Department of Finance and other Departments and with each of the civil service staff unions; between myself and the staff unions generally to hear the latter's views and concerns; the Strategic Management Initiative Implementation Group of Secretaries General provided advice, at the request of the Government, on how implementation of the new programme could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service; heads of relevant Departments provided views, at the request of the Government, on the experience of their respective Departments with the previous programme of decentralisation; and a major public service union provided advice, in response to an invitation from me, on the development of criteria for the programme.

In coming to its decision the Government took account of a wide range of factors in selecting suitable locations and departments and agencies for the new programme. I refer the Deputy to page B.25 of the summary of 2004 budget measures which describes the main factors taken into account.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

37 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if a report on leases of public service units proposed for removal from Dublin was considered as part of the decision on decentralisation. [8686/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Currently, the State rents some 200,000 square metres of office space in the Dublin area at a cost in the region of €70 million per annum. In addition, the State uses some 230,000 square metres of state owned office accommodation in Dublin.

Under the decentralisation programme in excess of 200,000 square metres of office accommodation will be required in the regions for staff moving out of Dublin. A broadly equivalent amount of space will, as a consequence, be no longer required in the Dublin area.

The issues surrounding the disposal of surplus Dublin space, both owned and leased, are currently being addressed. In this context, the following considerations will be taken into account: the specific circumstances associated with each building including location, quality and design, tenure, office area and whether its leasehold or freehold; the relocation of Departments-offices within the Dublin portfolio with a view to the optimum consolidation of Dublin office space and the timing of property disposals; the market value of a building can be greatly affected by prevailing market conditions including a significant influx of properties to the market.

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