Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

It was not at the level of the decentralisation programme. Given the length of time some of these people have spent in the Department - three years in some cases - I do not think the Deputy is suggesting there is a lack of knowledge or experience of the Department. I have been in the Department only a few days and must get to know it and understand the issues in a short time. That is a challenge but I have confidence that the staff who opted to go to Killarney and to other Departments elsewhere are more than capable of making the transition. It is not without its challenges but in the long term it will be very good for the Civil Service and for the country, particularly the locations of new Departments.

See this speech in context