Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy appreciates that all of the questions have been tabled to my Department, but it is a matter for the Department of Finance to deal with the general position. I understand site or building acquisitions have now been completed or significantly advanced in 38 locations and progress is continuing on the identification of suitable sites or properties in others. Advance office accommodation has been secured or is in the process of being finalised in over 20 locations. This year 1,500 posts have been allocated. Therefore, the original aim of relocating 7,200 staff will not be met. It was agreed that would be done by negotiation and, painful though it may be, a large part of this will have been achieved by the end of 2009. The popularity of the move is evident from the figures in my Department. Some 10,900 people have applied to the Central Applications Facility. As sites become available and the deadline approaches more people want to move into position. A total of 40% of those who want to move have moved into Departments that are decentralised.

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