Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

On the decentralisation of the Department, what is the position on Tubbercurry vis-À-vis the move to Knock? How many existing staff have agreed to move to Knock? What is the cost of leasing the premises in Tubbercurry? If the premises on Mespil Road is leased by the Department, what does it cost?

Bearing in mind that Deputy Ring is from Mayo, we must all be pragmatic. It beggars belief how we will create transport links between Dublin and the locations of the decentralised staff. Knock has an airport but does not have a railway station, the nearest of which is in Claremorris. Bus and taxi transport must be factored into the cost. Is it realistic to decentralise staff to Knock as a consequence? Newbridge in my county is on a rail line and there is, therefore, logic to decentralising staff there, but I cannot see the logic in transferring staff to Knock. The transport problems associated with Tubbercurry must be causing major problems in the Department in terms of ensuring continuity.

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