The decentralisation implementation group was appointed to drive forward the overall implementation of the decentralisation programme. The two reports of the implementation group, dated 31 March 2004 and 30 July 2004, provided detailed accounts of the progress made in implementing the programme.
In addition, the implementation group prepared two further reports in November 2004 which were approved by the Government and subsequently published. One of these reports identified the organisations/locations which, in the implementation group's view, should be the first to relocate. This included details of the indicative construction completion dates in respect of office accommodation for the early mover organisations.
The OPW has to date agreed 15 property solutions in principle and a further 20 plus locations are at an advanced stage in the acquisition process. Sites for the remaining locations in the programme are being pursued by the OPW. The Public Appointments Service has recently provided Departments with the details of those civil and public servants who have applied to relocate with it. Departments are now arranging for the transfer of staff into each organisation for training purposes.
The central applications facility, CAF, continues to accept applications and will do so for the foreseeable future. I understand that over 650 new applications have been received since 7 September 2004. These 650 are in addition to the over 9,200 people who had applied in advance of the closing date for priority applications on 7 September. The Public Appointments Service has undertaken an intensive operation to liaise with applicants to ensure that their applications are both valid and accurate. I understand that the decentralisation implementation group will report again soon on those locations/organisations not dealt with in its November 2004 report.