Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 106 together.

In the dispute at FÁS a Labour Relations Commission proposal has been accepted by both sides. The proposal provides for the parties to enter a process of discussion, facilitated by the LRC, on the arrangements to apply in respect of promotion in light of the relocation of FÁS head office to Birr. The process should conclude not later than two months from the date of the first meeting and any unresolved issues at that stage should be referred to the Labour Court.

Across the public service, recruitment and promotion practices generally are being managed in a way that facilitates the achievement of the decentralisation programme in an efficient manner. Agreement has been reached with the Civil Service unions representing general service staff that all interdepartmental promotions will be made on the basis of the appointee agreeing to move to a post in a decentralising unit, Department or office. In addition, any appointments from open competitions are being made on the same basis. Where an organisation is moving in full, all internal promotions will include a decentralisation condition in the 52 week period prior to the move. Where an organisation is moving in part, 50% of all internal promotions will include a decentralisation condition in the 52 week period prior to the move taking place. These arrangements allow for a proportion of all promotions arising in Civil Service general service posts in the normal course to have a decentralisation condition as was the case on previous occasions. Discussions are ongoing with the unions representing professional and technical staff in the Civil Service on this issue.

In the State agency sector, promotions must take account of the reality of decentralisation. The position in relation to the State agencies is more complex and the dispute at FÁS highlights some of those complexities. The Government has always said that this is a voluntary programme. Any staff member wishing to remain in Dublin will be accommodated with a public service job in Dublin. However, there is a need to balance the business needs of the organisation in furthering its relocation objective with the needs of staff remaining in Dublin. In these circumstances promotions policy must take account of the reality of decentralisation. It is my strong view that these issues can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.

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