Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 90 agus 96 le chéile.

My Department is scheduled to complete its move to Knock Airport by the end of 2007. As part of the decentralisation process, my Department is planning to relocate up to 40 staff in advance of the main move subject, inter alia, to the availability of suitable temporary accommodation in the general area. The Office of Public Works is currently seeking to source suitable accommodation and I hope that this advance move can take place by mid 2006.

The Office of Public Works is also in the process of finalising the purchase of a site for a permanent headquarters building for my Department. It is expected that a competition will be advertised shortly for the design and building of the headquarters and that work on site should begin in the second quarter of next year. All necessary work on the building is scheduled to be completed in time for staff to move to Knock Airport by the original deadline.

To support the decentralisation process, my Department has prepared a comprehensive decentralisation implementation plan, which sets out steps to be taken to ensure a successful relocation. The plan follows the guidelines set down by the Government's decentralisation implementation group. The plan is being implemented in full consultation with managers and staff and is in line with industrial relations agreements and good practice.

There are no plans to award a bonus to civil servants in my Department for agreeing to decentralise to Knock Airport.

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