Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I cannot comment on specific cases. Before the decentralisation programme, a substantial amount of commuting was done by people who travelled long distances. It is now very much offset by the fact that there are decentralised offices in other parts of the country. People who have to come to Dublin or live here can now return to and work from home. That greatly offsets any examples the Deputy may be able to provide about people who may have to travel in the other direction. It has been a reality for many people in the public service, regardless of whether it is decentralised.

I again point out that the property costs have been offset by savings and reallocations of property by the Office of Public Works to other schemes. I understand, from the previous replies which have been given, that has been more than offset. The Department of Finance can outline the exact information on all schemes.

The Western Development Commission did a study on the beneficial impact of decentralised offices in various parts of the country, in particular the west. It noted the economic impact of relocation of the jobs to the western region as being positive and significant. Public sector employees have taken up opportunities to relocate to the western region for quality of life issues, in particular the many benefits realised by easier commuting to work. The western region offers many advantages in terms of cost savings and benefits from living within in a close community, being closer to family and living in a rural location.

The wider impacts in Tubbercurry were also deemed to be significant and the relocation of that Department has raised the profile of the area and encouraged new business. Those who work in the general community development area would not agree with the Deputy.

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