Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2006

Tuesday, 16 May 2006

Ceisteanna (431)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

492 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made to date in regard to the decentralising of part of her Department to Mullingar; the number of personnel that it is proposed to decentralise under the proposal; the number and grade of personnel who have sought to participate in the scheme of decentralisation as proposed; if a site has been acquired to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18245/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The number of posts to decentralise with my Department to Mullingar is 281.09 whole time equivalents. This is based on the current level of staffing in those areas of my Department to decentralise to Mullingar. I am providing a table showing the most up to date information on the numbers/grades proposed for decentralisation, along with the current and anticipated levels of participation. The Deputy will appreciate that these figures are subject to change on an on-going basis.

I understand that the procurement process for the site for the accommodation has not yet been finalised. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has indicated a target date of Quarter 1 2009 for the completion of the construction of the accommodation. If this target date for completion of the construction is achieved the fit-out of the accommodation for occupation will bring the delivery of this project into Quarter 2 of 2009. This timetable is contingent on obtaining planning permission and on no delays being experienced during the architectural planning and construction stages.

Mullingar — 12 May 2006

Grade	Principal Officer	Assistant Principal Officer	Higher Executive Officer/ Administrative Officer	Executive Officer	Staff Officer	Clerical Officer	Other
No. required	14.50	27.60	50.50	63.03	12.33	58.13	55.00
Internal Applicants	4.00	10.00	13.00	11.00	7.00	14.00	2.00
External Applicants	2.00	4.00	22.00	21.00	4.00	55.00	2.00
Apparent Shortfall	8.50	13.60	15.50	31.03	1.33	n/a	51.00

Notes

1.The internal/external applicants are those who applied to decentralise on or before 7 September 2004 with Mullingar as their 1st preference.

2.The process of making contact with applicants who have indicated Mullingar as their 2nd or subsequent preference and/or applied after 7 September 2004 has begun.

3.Until 2 above is complete the shortfall is apparent rather than actual as we expect some of the applicants at 2 above to opt to decentralise to Mullingar.

4.Other includes senior staff of the Department who will not be included on the Central Applications Facility (CAF), service staff and Inspectors.

5.Thirty three (33) members of the Department's staff in Dublin are assigned to posts in which they will decentralise to Mullingar.