Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I probably should have come to that particular issue earlier. The decision to centralise administrative functions is already being implemented. Administrative work has already been transferred out of several regional offices successfully, notably those in Ennis, Clonakilty, Limerick and Tipperary, without any negative implications for the provision of services to farm clients.

I realise this has put several people out in terms of having to travel further distances to work. Tralee is next on the list. While there are currently no available redeployment options in Tralee for departmental staff, the establishment of a shared payroll service in Killarney has led to a request from the relevant agency to transfer our Tralee staff to the shared payroll services in Killarney. The Department is prepared to accede to this request and will do so in line with the procedures laid down in the Croke Park agreement. The staff in Tralee have exercised their right under the Croke Park agreement to have the matter referred to the Labour Relations Commission for arbitration. My understanding is that an initial hearing took place yesterday, 18 June. When we get some feedback from that process we will obviously take it into account.

I assure Deputy Ferris that one of my jobs as the head of the Department is to try to look after my staff as best I can.

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