Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The decentralisation implementation group has made a number of reports since this was first announced, such as outlining the expected timescales involved. Of the 2,500 staff already relocated, a further 3,500 will complete relocation as a result of the most recent Government decision with, as the Deputy said, subsequent decisions deferred until 2011.

The Office of Public Works has expended approximately €250 million gross up to the end of September 2008 on the property aspects of the programme. The Deputy may wish to note that the total income from property disposed of in Dublin between January 2004 and December 2007 was €355.9 million, leaving a surplus of €105.9 million between what has been purchased and what has been disposed of. In addition, property valued at €75 million was transferred to the affordable homes partnership, which would be a further surplus were it sold on privately to other bodies. I am advised the OPW has agreed joint venture redevelopment schemes with a minimum value of approximately €125 million up to the end of 2007. As expected, non-property costs have been increasing since the beginning of 2007 as more advance accommodation is in place. Staff training has increased and actual moves have taken place. There is an overall surplus in terms of what has been disposed of and what will be redeveloped as a result of relocation compared to the cost of providing the sites and the locations referred to.

With regard to those sites which will not be proceeded with in this phase but will be considered in light of budgetary concerns in 2011, they will remain under the management of the Office of Public Works which will continue to manage the State's property portfolio as is its remit. Regarding those advance parties which have moved to locations, those staff who indicated an intention to relocate will remain in place and move to permanent accommodation under the programme.

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