Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
59 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on any progress in the decentralisation of her Department’s headquarters to Portlaoise, County Laois, and of all or part of Teagasc, Bord Bia and An Bord Glas offices to other parts of the country. [24480/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004 allowed for the decentralisation of my Department's headquarters to Portlaoise, Bord Bia and An Bord Glas to Enniscorthy and Teagasc to Carlow. The restructuring of Teagasc was subsequently formally excluded from the plan.
Since the Government's announcement my Department has established a decentralisation implementation committee, chaired by an assistant secretary general, to plan and control the process. Tangible progress has been made on decentralisation to Portlaoise and 50 staff were assigned there in July. It is envisaged that a further 50 will be relocated there during 2005. Some interim accommodation has been secured in Portlaoise. However, the OPW is actively working on acquiring suitable permanent accommodation.
An Bord Glas was amalgamated with Bord Bia with effect from 1 July. The necessary structures were put in place in Bord Bia to deal with the implementation of the decentralisation programme.
