Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

FÁS is a large organisation. It is clear that we have had difficulties in respect of the decentralisation of agencies which has not gone as smoothly as the relocation of departmental civil servants. For example, the centre in Carlow is now open and some 200 staff will shortly relocate there. This relocation and the relocation of the Health and Safety Authority, which is temporarily located in Kilkenny city, has gone reasonably well. I am confident we can get a substantial number of people to transfer though I am not sure if 393 people will transfer by 2009. I have had ongoing engagement with FÁS in this regard.

I was somewhat taken aback when SIPTU announced its categoric, unilateral opposition to decentralisation. I believe it should review its position. We are interested in engaging with the organisation on this. The opening of the new facility in Carlow has made an enormous difference to the staff there, many of whom had been commuting daily to and from Dublin for five years. The advantages, for them and their families, of being located ten minutes from their work cannot be quantified. People should take a more rounded view of decentralisation. Of course, people want particular issues to be addressed but there are benefits not alone for the locality involved but for the workers concerned. The new approaches that come with decentralisation in terms of delivery of service are also of enormous benefit. One of the best examples in this regard is the decentralisation of part of the Department of Education and Science to Tullamore which, some would say, has been the main contributing factor in respect of the new approach to school building.

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