Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The suggestion that the ICT area is in abeyance in FÁS is wrong. FÁS has come up with other solutions to deal with that problem, knowing there was an industrial relations issue regarding the relocation to Birr. The responsibility is with management and COs working with the unions when they can and the terms of engagement can be agreed to move these things along. It is moving more slowly than we would like but it was always a voluntary programme. The best way of seeking to resolve and conclude these matters is to have engagement so we can scope the issues.

The fact is that because of the industrial relations problems, people are stepping back from engagement, which is unfortunate. At my last meeting with a SIPTU delegation, including Mr. O'Connor and others, we discussed this matter as candidly as possible in an attempt to find a way forward. The State agency sector is not moving as quickly as we would like. That is quite clear. There are industrial relations issues and other difficulties. It is a complex problem. The Civil Service sector has been moving along quite well. A total of 3,400 people have relocated or are assigned to relocate, which is a significant rate of progress. We would like to see more and, indeed, more are on the way.

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