Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2005

Wednesday, 1 June 2005

Ceisteanna (48)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

53 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the information available from the central applications facility in respect of applications from civil servants and other public servants located in Dublin who wish to transfer to new locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the way in which this compares with the Government target of 10,300; if the plan to restrict all promotional opportunities in the Civil Service to staff willing to move to decentralised offices has been dropped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18265/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The latest figures from the central applications facility show there is very substantial interest in the programme. During the period for priority applications up to 7 September 2004, 8,958 applications made up of 8,152 civil servants and 806 public servants were received by the Public Appointments Service. Of these, 4,813 were from people — 4,236 civil servants and 577 public servants — currently located in Dublin. New applications for decentralisation continue to be received. Since the period for priority applications finished in September 2004, over 750 new applications have been received.

Discussions are continuing between the management and the Civil Service unions with a view to agreeing new promotion and recruitment mechanisms to support implementation of the programme. It would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on these discussions.