Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

It means a lot to retain one's position, so I also congratulate him.

I do not intend to extol the virtues of Newcastle West as a location for decentralisation because on many occasions previously in the Dáil and in the Seanad I spoke on this issue. As recently as 21 May last I spoke on the issue and was responded to by the Minister's colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Gallagher, who was Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at the time. I was pleased when on 3 December 2003 the Minister announced in the budget that Newcastle West was part of a cluster of locations in the mid-west region which embraced Kilrush and Listowel. It was decided at the time that each location would receive approximately 50 positions.

This demonstrated a responsible attitude to that location because there is a very successful Revenue base between Limerick, Ennis and Nenagh involving about 900 jobs which moved to the area between 1992 and 1996. The cluster effect is of great importance in these locations. It provides scope for promotional opportunities not alone at local level, but at regional level which would be an added attraction for people who decide to work in a decentralised project.

While I am not certain of the figures for Kilrush and Listowel, I understand that Newcastle West has been over-subscribed in terms of initial interest. While quite a few applicants have applied from Dublin locations, many of the applicants working in Departments in city locations are from the west Limerick area and are delighted by the prospect of being transferred to Newcastle West near their home base. Furthermore, in his response on 21 May the Minister indicated the OPW believed it would have no difficulty in purchasing a premises in Newcastle West and has purchased the premises formerly used by the county council. I understand the OPW has surveyed the location.

My question relates to the overall numbers who have applied for transfer to Newcastle West. Now that the premises has been purchased when does the Minister anticipate the relocation of people from Revenue in Dublin will take place? Is it envisaged that decentralisation to Newcastle West, Kilrush and Listowel will proceed at the same time or will it happen in a piecemeal fashion if, say, premises have been purchased in Newcastle West and the required number of applications for transfer there has been received? I am very interested in the Minister's answers to those questions.