Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The normal liaising arrangements apply.

For the purpose of accuracy, a Deputy's salary equates to that of a principal officer, not an assistant principal officer.

The Deputy referred to the decentralisation of the Equality Authority. I do not know from where she got her figures. Last week in the House, I indicated that the amount of money spent in respect of the property aspects of the decentralisation programme is less than the amount obtained through the sales of properties in Dublin vacated as a result of the programme's implementation. Last week's replies to parliamentary questions outlined the details.

This being the case, the system of Departments having more than one location has worked well for the Departments of Finance, Education and Science and Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners. I do not see why this should not be the case for the Equality Authority. I assure the Deputy that the rental costs of accommodating people in Roscrea will be much less than what they are being charged in Dublin.

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