Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. When I asked this question on 10 October 2006, I was told a total of only two people from the aforementioned four bodies had decentralised. If I understand correctly the Minister's comprehensive reply in respect of the Health and Safety Authority, the original figure of 12 people who had moved to Kilkenny has increased to 15. Am I correct in deducing that between 10 October and 31 January, a net sum of three additional people has moved to temporary accommodation? The total number of staff scheduled for decentralisation on 10 October was 917. Of that, a grand total of 18 moved and 899 remain. This has happened after many people expressed interest, many plans were put in place, promises were explored and many contracts were negotiated. No doubt many people got inside tracks on where and when things might happen with decentralisation. Since the announcement in the 2004 budget, only 18 people have moved and they are currently housed in temporary accommodation. Is this a fair understanding of what the Minister has achieved in the past two and a half years?

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