Cost savings in the order of €6 million per annum have already been secured in the combined administrative budgets for NRA and RPA since their merger was first proposed in 2010. These savings were generated both in readiness for the merger and also as a result of measures to address the financial crises. Total staff numbers have also reduced from 430 to 275.
It is currently anticipated that the merger will have the potential to deliver a further annual saving in the region of €2-3 million from year 3 of operation.
The implementation plans for the merger, including the proposed organisational structure, the breakdown of costs and the potential for future savings are being discussed with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform. In addition matters relating to certain staff issues are the subject of talks at the Labour Relations Commission.
I expect that the detailed plans for the merger will be finalised and implemented in parallel with the legislative process, which has reached Dail Committee Stage and is expected to be concluded by Q1 2015.
As regards proposals for the further merger of agencies under my remit, the plans for the merger of the Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority are well advanced and legislation is currently before the Oireachtas.