Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I think more people will apply to be moved under decentralisation and 20% of the Department has already moved. The Minister for Finance informs me there are 34 locations under development around the country and, as this rolls out, people from my Department will join the list as has happened over the past number of years.

Some specialists might also move. Some of the agencies in my Department have specialists and very talented people. However, they are not scientists or microbiologists as in other Departments and agencies. People may leave from the area of statistics and this could create difficulties which would necessitate retraining.

The Marine Institute moved to Galway and only a small number of employees chose not to move as a result. A very technical area of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has moved to Clonakilty. These things work themselves out over time. There must be a means of negotiation and, with negotiation, the process will work.

See this speech in context