Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not have that information to hand, but I can get the Deputy the details. Regarding previous instances of decentralisation, the sorts of figures and percentages that the Deputy has quoted to me seem in line with those viewed as successful.

This is a voluntary scheme and we must go through the industrial relations issues. Discussions continue with several unions on various matters in Departments concerning technical and administrative staff and so on. Those who have been involved in promotion have stated their willingness to go to Tullamore. It is a voluntary act on their part.

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