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Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (140, 141)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

197 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the implementation of decentralisation will affect the ceiling on public service numbers which he imposed in budget 2003; and if this ceiling applies to promotion and grades. [28046/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I accept that there may be pressure for temporary increases in numbers during the training of staff that are decentralising. However, the process is not intended to create extra costs for the Exchequer. Overall public service numbers will not increase as a result of decentralisation.

From the start, the policy of capping and reducing public service numbers was to be implemented by natural wastage and without impacting on front line services to the public as far as possible and this remains the case. No specific grades were targeted but it was intended that there would be an even distribution across grades rather than a concentration on lower grades.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

198 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposal to invite tenders to provide the public service with space and services in two world-class data centres; the proposed location of these centres; the security and sovereignty issues involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28084/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The first report of the decentralisation implementation group sets out a rationale and a recommendation for the public service acquiring space in private sector world- class data centres. It also recommended the establishment of an inter-agency group to progress such a procurement. My Department has established and chairs this group. It comprises senior IT representatives from the large Civil Service Departments and offices and from the justice, health and local authority sectors. It also includes project management experts from the Office of Public Works.

The group is considering all issues associated with such a procurement, including the most appropriate procurement approach, the type of facilities and services required, the technology and telecommunications issues involved, possible contract types, potential location options, ownership, management and operation requirements, and any possible security and sovereignty issues that may arise. These are complex issues by their nature and will take some time to work out in detail. The group is working to reach conclusions by the first quarter of 2005.

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