Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the decentralisation programme of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17525/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Work was completed in respect of the decentralisation of both departmental and Road Safety Authority staff in July 2007. The decentralisation of 50 staff to Loughrea was among the priority moves in the Government's programme. Decentralisation to Ballina of an additional 62 Road Safety Authority posts — which were not part of the original Government decision — was also achieved.

My Department met the Decentralisation Implementation Group on 15 April 2008. Representatives from each of the agencies under the Department's aegis were also in attendance. Discussions took place on how best to progress decentralisation to Drogheda, as well as the various issues facing the agencies and their decentralisation programmes. The transfer of at least 37 posts to Drogheda is being actively considered by my Department. The immediate priority is to finalise a suitable location and the construction of a premises. This work is being undertaken by the Office of Public Works.

The decentralisation of the National Roads Authority and Railway Safety Commission to Ballinasloe, of Bus Éireann to Mitchelstown, and of the Irish Aviation Authority to Shannon was not originally identified as a priority. However, progress is now being made on this element of the programme.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The issue that arises in Drogheda concerns the 37 jobs, which are welcome. There was a proposal on the Department's website to move the Maritime Safety Directorate and elements of the coastguard to Drogheda. This could involve up to 200 jobs. What is the status of the report on this matter?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The move to Drogheda is still under consideration. Originally we were only supposed to locate 37 staff there. An internal Department report suggested, for reasons of organisational efficiency, that we should move the Maritime Safety Directorate to Drogheda. It is still under consideration and is tied in with the question of the marine rescue co-ordination centres in Malin and Valentia.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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When will a final decision be made?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am awaiting receipt of the report and I will make a decision as quickly as possible thereafter.