Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and acknowledge the progress that has been made in decentralisation to Carlow. I hope the transfer of the full complement of 312 posts promised will be able to be achieved in the construction phase and accommodated through that phase.

On the movement of FÁS to Birr, notice of strike action has been served. Recently, there was a ballot of people indicating they did not want to go to Birr and there was a low level of interest in any case. In his response will the Minister of State outline how he will reconcile this lack of interest as well the industrial relations problems that the movement of FÁS to Birr will create, not only for FÁS but perhaps for other agencies through a knock-on effect?

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