Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1470. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vacant desk spaces available in accommodation allocated to his Department in Civil Service accommodation outside Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22473/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works in cooperation with the Office of Public Works (and with other Departments and Offices) to maximise the use of office space in accordance with the OPW's Property Asset Management Delivery Plan, to ensure that optimal value for money is achieved in the management of the State's property portfolio.
In the main, desk spaces available in the Department's Regional Offices and District Veterinary Offices are fully allocated. The majority of these Department offices have a number of "hot desks" available for use by visiting Headquarters staff, or for outdoor staff who cover large and often remote geographic areas.
There is some office space available currently in the Drumshanbo and Limerick RVO buildings. There was space available in the Department's offices at Johnstown Castle in Wexford but this has recently been allocated to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for their use.
It should be noted that where any vacant space exists in my Departments offices, consideration is being given to how it can best be utilised to facilitate physical distancing and mitigate against Covid 19 where staff attendance is required.
