Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

In the context of FÁS, what specific offers are being made to staff who, in almost 99% of cases, wish to remain in Dublin? What is the offer on the table in terms of the options for those who clearly wish to stay in Dublin? What negotiations are ongoing between the Department of Finance and SIPTU, which represents the vast majority of the workers involved, with a view to trying to find a resolution? What are the meaningful elements of that discussion in that this is a voluntary scheme and those who have expressed a wish to decentralise are in a tiny minority?

FÁS has moved against procedures by seeking to impose a condition that all promotions are conditional on staff being willing to move to the decentralised location. Does the Minister agree that he is in breach of all the elements of voluntarism that were to be involved in this process and that he is offering the workers concerned no alternative? As this also appears to be a feature of many other State agencies this case is a crucial one.

Industrial action has been approved by the workers concerned and the date for that action is fast approaching. What initiative does the Minister intend to take to try to resolve this matter?

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