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Departmental Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2014

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Ceisteanna (577)

Joe Costello

Ceist:

577. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs, savings already made and estimated future savings associated with the forthcoming merger between the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency; the details of the proposed organisational structure and employee numbers for the merged body, which is to be known as transport infrastructure Ireland; his plans to proceed with the further merger of any or all transportation and transportation safety bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43210/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

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