Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works is responsible for the provision of the buildings in Newbridge and so forth. I understand the overall cost will be in the region of €34 million. The Department of Defence will have spent approximately €430,000 on the decentralisation project, mainly on ICT and some adjustments which were required.

On the communications centre, my preference would be to have it moved to a permanent rather than an interim location, which was what was being considered the last time we discussed these matters. The cost of moving it permanently, depending on where it was moved, is variable and very variable if an interim arrangement is required. If an interim arrangement would be required the cost would be likely to be well in excess of €1 million.

If it was possible, which I mentioned in my initial answer, to transfer all the remaining staff to the Curragh, including the communications centre, and refurbish an existing building, a possibility which is currently being examined, the cost of the communications centre would obviously be part of the entire process. The original cost set out for it was in excess of €30 million for the entire operation. The building was deferred.

It is possible that the 2011 review will give it the go-ahead, in which case it will be done in that way. If that is not possible it can be considered in the context of making some alterations to existing buildings. It is premature to discuss that now since the review of part 2 of decentralisation is now under way.

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