Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the anticipated date for the provision of permanent accommodation for his Department in Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34872/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department was designated by the decentralisation implementation group as one of the "early mover" Departments. The tender process for the permanent building was completed some months ago and OPW selected the preferred bidder — PJ Hegarty & Sons. Planning permission has been granted. I am advised by the OPW that construction of the new building is expected to commence before the end of the year and the anticipated completion date is early 2008.

In the meantime, an advance group of 42 staff relocated to temporary accommodation at Fossa, Killarney, in September. The temporary premises is capable of accommodating up to 70 staff and following a bedding down period, consideration will be given to transferring further units of my Department on a phased basis, ultimately leading to the relocation of 130 staff to the permanent accommodation in early 2008.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister satisfied with the quality of the current accommodation? Will he confirm whether there is a canteen on the premises and other facilities such as showering facilities? Has he received any inquiries from the staff regarding the improvement of facilities at the Rosenbluth location?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I am not familiar with the detail of the accommodation available. All I know is that it is very comfortable and very fit for the purpose required by the Department. I have received no complaint.