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Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004

Thursday, 25 March 2004

Ceisteanna (100, 101)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

100 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the sections of his Department that have already been relocated outside of Dublin to date; and the extent to which the workers transferred were the original workers attached to his Department. [9489/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 1976, approximately 50 staff in the accounts branch of the then named forest and wildlife service were decentralised to Castlebar, County Mayo. As a result of departmental reconfiguration over time and, in particular, the establishment of the State forestry agency, Coillte, the accounts branch of my Department based in Castlebar today consists of 18 staff.

Given the number of years that have elapsed and the extent of reconfiguration of departmental boundaries since this decentralisation, my Department is not in a position to source the specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Castlebar decentralisation.

In addition, approximately 100 of my Department's staff are situated at almost 20 regional locations outside Dublin. This number includes my Department's accounts branch, Irish coast guard staff, sea fishery officers, marine surveyors, engineering staff and administrative support staff. Typically these staff were engaged on the basis of employment at specified locations outside Dublin.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

101 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will clarify the current position with regard to the relocation of the Central Fisheries Board from Glasnevin to Carrick-on-Shannon; if his attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties for the work of the board presented by the proposed temporary move to Swords and Abbotstown; and if he will upgrade the Glasnevin premises for the temporary period until the full move to Carrick-on-Shannon can proceed. [9496/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Central Fisheries Board will be decentralised to Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, as part of the Government's decentralisation programme. The central implementation committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. Phil Flynn, is currently drawing up an overall implementation plan for decentralisation. This will, I understand, include the timeframe over which decentralisation will take place for the Departments and agencies involved.

In the meantime, I am advised that the accommodation occupied by the Central Fisheries Board in Glasnevin does not meet minimum health and safety standards. Management of the board have gone to great lengths to identify alternative suitable accommodation from which to operate until such time as decentralisation to Carrick-on-Shannon is effected. Any disruption to service is secondary to the health and well-being of the staff of the board. I understand refurbishment of the premises in Glasnevin is not feasible without relocating staff off-site for some considerable time. The safety of staff should be the paramount consideration in determining the earliest date for relocation to Swords and Abbotstown.

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