Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

After announcing the decentralisation package, the former Minister, Charlie McCreevy, said that if the Government had not managed to move 10,000 public servants out of Dublin in the decentralisation process by the end of 2006, the Government would not deserve to be re-elected. Of the 2,500 who have been relocated to date, how many are from Dublin? Does the Taoiseach think the scheme is working in practice when he examines the detail? Of 50 Revenue Commissioners staff who were transferred to Newcastle West, just two were from Dublin. Of 54 Revenue Commissioners staff who were transferred to Kilrush, just six were from Dublin. Of 49 Revenue Commissioners staff who were transferred to Listowel, just six were from Dublin. How many of the 2,500 staff relocated were moved from Dublin?

The Taoiseach says that the State has spent €250 million acquiring property. Can he clarify that this sum is for the purchase of property alone or whether, in addition to that sum, there are costs arising from the rental of property? If so, can he state the annual cost of renting property for decentralised State offices? In respect of property disposed of in Dublin, can he say if all of it arises from offices that have been decentralised or if it is due to any other reason? He may not have the breakdown of the locations. I was going to ask him who was the unsuccessful bidder but I thought that might be stretching it. I appreciate the Taoiseach may not have the breakdown of the locations but could he circulate to us later a breakdown of the lists of properties acquired and the lists of those disposed of?

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