Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Although the Deputy's supplementary inquiry on decentralisation is at a remove from his original question, I will be benign and supply him with the information he sought. The Deputy will possibly be aware that 101 of the projected 140 staff have already relocated to Tubercurry. I understand the OPW is pursuing matters in regard to the purchase of the site and, when these negotiations are complete, the final decision will be subject to the approval of the Department of Finance.

In regard to broadband, my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, is proceeding with the national broadband scheme and according to the information I have received from his Department, it is hoped an announcement will be made on the matter within the next month.

The main issue arising on my agenda in respect of rural jobs is the €425 million being made available under the Leader programme.

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