Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Defence if the decentralisation of all military directorates due to move to Newbridge has now been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46277/10]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Defence if the decentralisation of all civil branches of his Department to Newbridge has now been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46273/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 38 together.

The relocation to Newbridge under the decentralisation programme was successfully completed on 5 November 2010. The move to Newbridge now sees all civil branches of the Department located either in Newbridge or in Renmore, Galway. The chief of staff, deputy chiefs of staff, director of strategic planning and other relevant military staff have also relocated as planned. The remaining military directorates are located at their current locations in Parkgate Street, St. Bricin's Hospital, Coláiste Caoimhín, Park House and McKee Barracks, all in Dublin and also Kickham Barracks in Clonmel, County Tipperary.

The original decision on decentralisation provided for two buildings, one in the Curragh and one in Newbridge. The civil and military elements of the Department were to be accommodated between the two buildings. In light of budgetary constraints, the Government decided to defer proceeding with the new building in Defence Forces headquarters at the Curragh. This location, along with a number of other deferred locations, will be considered as part of the overall review of the programme in 2011.

It is clearly preferable to have all of the key managers, both civil and military, working in close proximity. The Department is actively pursuing options to address this situation, in advance of the review in 2011. The use of existing Departmental property in the Curragh is being considered as an alternative to a new building. I will be engaged with the OPW, Department and Defence Forces to ensure that the organisations can carry out their business efficiently and effectively in the short and long term.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Could the Minister tell us the cost of decentralisation in his Department for the current year? What are the plans for the current military headquarters? Does he know how much it would cost to move the communications centre from there? Figures were given which were not disputed. Is the cost of moving it €1 million, €2 million or more? Does he have any plans to move it from its current location?

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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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.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Has the Minister given any consideration to using Parkgate House, the location of the current headquarters, staying there, saving €30 million and moving the other directorates from Coláiste Caoimhín and others into that building, given its historic importance and significance? Pearse signed the surrender there, for instance, and it has been the military headquarters since 1923. Does the Minister have any feeling for the historic importance of the building and location? Has he given any consideration to maintaining it? Where is the current office of the Minister?

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister's office is in the new building in Newbridge. The possibility of remaining in Parkgate House would be open for consideration by the Defence Forces if the Department or Defence Forces owned the property, but it is an OPW property and I understand it has plans for the entire area surrounding the new courts buildings and other legal aspects to be accommodated on the greater campus, therefore that option is not available to us.

In any event, there is considerable merit in going with the original proposal, which was to have two locations, the Curragh mainly for military personnel and Newbridge close by for the Department of Defence. The proximity would address all of the issues which are currently very difficult because of the number of locations I mentioned.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Would the Minister agree that spending €30 million at this time is daft? Could he not use his influence in Cabinet to hold what he has and save the money for a better use, rather than trying to spend it just to relocate? Have there been any additional costs as a result of the decentralisation to Newbridge, such as the relocation of staff and ongoing transport costs for people who have to come to Dublin? Is there an onus on personnel to travel to Dublin from Newbridge to hold meetings? What time cost is involved?

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the decision to move from Parkgate House was made a number of years ago and was long under way before my appointment to the office. It is not a matter which is decided at Cabinet. Quite clearly, the OPW has a considerable portfolio of buildings and has decided to centralise the Courts Service and all the ancillary services in that area. I understand the plan is to create a campus and there is some logic to support that view.

There is also logic to support the view that personnel in Newbridge ought to be in close proximity to military personnel in the Curragh. My strong view is that the cost of the building, if it is proceeded with in 2011, will be considerably less than the €30 million that was estimated in 2006 or 2007, when this entire project commenced. That will be examined when a decision is being made on whether to pursue a new-build in the Curragh, which was the original plan. My personal leaning is to proceed with the refurbishment of the historic existing suite of buildings, which are considerably under-utilised. That might be an attractive option for the communication centre and the decentralisation of the remainder of the staff.