Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2005

Tuesday, 17 May 2005

Ceisteanna (60, 61)

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

56 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding decentralisation of sections of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Tipperary town; the position regarding site acquisition; the number and category of staff involved and the number and category of staff who have applied to transfer to Tipperary town through the central applications facility; when the spring report of the decentralisation committee will be published; the timescale for the transfer to Tipperary town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13467/05]

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

71 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the decentralisation of sections of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Tipperary town; the position regarding site acquisition; the number and categories of staff involved; the number and category of staff who have applied to transfer to Tipperary town through the central applications facility; when the spring report of the decentralisation committee will be published; and the timescale for the transfer to Tipperary town. [13192/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 71 together.

An implementation plan in respect of the decentralisation of certain asylum and immigration functions was prepared last year and is available on my Department's website.

A number of sites in Tipperary town are being considered by the Office of Public Works and the acquisition process is at an advanced stage. Any final agreement will depend on a number of factors including acceptable terms, zoning and compliance with the Office of Public Works technical requirements.

A total of 104 staff, ranging from the level of principal officer to service officer, have applied through the central applications facility to transfer to my Department's office in Tipperary.

The date of publication of the next report of the decentralisation implementation group is a matter for the decentralisation implementation group.

As regards the timescale for the completion of the Tipperary decentralisation project, my Department is continuing to maintain momentum with the implementation of this decision as it is with implementing its overall decentralisation programme.