Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a very important issue in County Monaghan. For months I have been in communication with the Tánaiste and the Minister of State in her Department, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, on the issue. I have also contacted the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Simon Harris. I have contacted the Taoiseach and all members of the Cabinet at this stage to try to get a reversal of the Tánaiste's decision to remove these jobs from Ballybay. It is vital that these jobs remain in a small town such as Ballybay. It sends a very bad signal about the rejuvenation of rural Ireland when public sector jobs, the jobs that Government can influence, are taken from a small town without any need.

Five property owners were prepared to tender for this project to retain the jobs in Ballybay. Having spoken to them, I can say with certainty that there has been no proper engagement by officials of the OPW or the Department of Social Protection with these property owners with realistic specifications so that they can price the job and keep the jobs in the town. These people are very civic-minded and were prepared to spend their own money, not the Department's money, to ensure these jobs could remain in the centre of County Monaghan in Ballybay, but they were not afforded that opportunity.

Given the opportunity and proper specifications, they would be able to provide the necessary accommodation to enable the retention of these jobs. This issue has been ongoing since last autumn. It is essential, even at this late stage, that the Minister intervene to ensure these jobs are retained in Ballybay where the cost of renting is lower than in many surrounding towns and buildings can be adapted to meet the Department's needs. From a public service perspective, as Ballybay is located in the centre of County Monaghan, it is more appropriate that the offices be located there rather than in any of the surrounding areas. If the idea is to have an easily accessible public service office, the current location is ideal. Relocating the offices to another part of the county would not be ideal. I ask that, even at this late stage, the Minister revisit this decision.

We need to get to the truth of the matter. I note from previous replies that the Minister has said the OPW has looked at various options in Ballybay. I can say with certainty and have been told personally that some of the people who submitted tenders have not had any contact with the OPW about this issue. I am pleading with the Minister to intervene personally and ensure that whatever can be done will be done to retain the jobs in Ballybay. As I said, from a Government perspective, it sends a very bad signal to rural Ireland that the Government is seeking to take jobs from a town without considering all of the options before doing so.

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