Results 3,001-3,020 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Some have applied to go to other areas. The fact that they are not going to the specific area does not mean that only ten staff members from the unit are interested in decentralisation. They may be going to other locations and other Departments.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not have that information to hand, but I can get the Deputy the details. Regarding previous instances of decentralisation, the sorts of figures and percentages that the Deputy has quoted to me seem in line with those viewed as successful. This is a voluntary scheme and we must go through the industrial relations issues. Discussions continue with several unions on various matters in...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: No, the promotions were open to everyone. The issue that arises is that those who have——

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not get involved in internal staffing or promotion arrangements. The figures I have given the Deputy concern those promoted and willing to move.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: No. The posts being transferred are at those levels.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Yes, but my point is that not everyone is going as a junior or higher executive officer. Various grades have been submitted.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The idea of decentralisation is to reduce running, property, leasing and rental costs, which are lower in the country than in the cities, particularly in Dublin, which has very high property valuations. We take all that into account, in addition to the cost of moving, to decide the overall cost of the process. There is great complexity in deciding how one transfers the necessary personnel,...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the total cost, the Civil Service training and development centre, which is itself decentralising, is also providing support to decentralise the Department. It has produced a series of support manuals designed to provide practical advice and guidance to decentralising sections and divisions. In our Department, current indications are that it is likely to be on target at most levels...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: No. The Deputy should study the decentralisation implementation committee's latest report which shows the revised arrangements which it envisages as proceeding in terms of a realistic timeframe, based on the early movers, as identified, as well as those further down the line which, with the agreement of staff, it will seek to decentralise on the basis of the programme in future years. The...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: My colleague and I answer questions on an ongoing basis in respect of these matters. It is not true that no office in Dublin has yet to be vacated. For example, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's office has been sold.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am giving the Deputy one example.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The only people who talk from both sides of their mouths with regard to this matter are the Opposition. When I read local newspapers, I note that Deputies and Senators from Fine Gael and Labour continually ask when the decentralisation programme will be implemented. I then come before this House to be told that I should not go ahead with it at all.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I find Deputy Bruton's own leader——

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am not playing to the gallery.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The people who are playing to the gallery are——

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Let the record show that the people who are playing to the gallery——

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Bruton should know that the people who are playing to the gallery include his own leader, whom the Deputy is trying to set up as a statesman in waiting, who cannot pass a parish pump if one mentions Knock, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs or wherever else.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: That is the situation we face as far as Fine Gael are concerned.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have even heard Deputy Bruton's colleagues in the backbenches complaining about it.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Total failure.