I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
33 staff currently serving in my Department have applied through the Central Applications Facility to relocate under the Decentralisation Programme. 15 members of my Department have already transferred to other Departments for decentralisation purposes — their chosen options are listed below. However, the timing of the relocation of these officers is a matter for their new Departments.
1 AP to the Department of Social, and Family Affairs (Sligo)
1 AP to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism (Killarney)
1 AP to the Department of Agriculture and Food (Portlaoise)
1 AP to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Carlow)
1 AO to Development Co-operation Ireland (Limerick)
1 AO to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Charlestown)
1 EO to the Department of Finance (Tullamore)
1 EO to the Department of Defence (Newbridge)
1 EO to the Department of Transport (Loughrea)
1 SO to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Clonakilty)
1 CO to the Office of Public Works (Claremorris)
1 CO to the Department of Social and Family Affairs (Sligo)
1 CO to Garda Headquarters (Thurles)
1 CO to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners (Tralee)
1 CO to the Department of Justice (Mayo)
The Deputy will be aware that there are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis and also that the Department of Finance has overall responsibility in Government for the Decentralisation Programme.