Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am going through each detail. The turnover at senior levels is not as great, but the overall numbers at that level are smaller and can be managed over time. The phasing has been arranged so that the locations with the best take-up are moving early. The Department of Finance is currently analysing retirement patterns over its transition phase and has been liaising with Departments and offices to plan the phased relief of staff into vacant Dublin posts.

Professional and technical staff make up about 10% of the overall programme. Proposals have been tabled in talks with the unions on options for staff remaining in Dublin. While the issues are more complex for professional grades, discussion and dialogue on the full range of options is the only way forward, including inter-oganisational mobility in the Civil Service and mobility in the wider public service.

There have not yet been any substantive discussions with union representatives of the State agencies on the detailed implementation arrangements. Progress on issues such as mobility between State agencies and between agencies in the Civil Service would expand the range of options for all staff, including staff remaining in Dublin.

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