Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senator Finucane for raising the issue. I will start by stating that the Government is firmly committed to the full implementation of the decentralisation programme and is very pleased with the progress which has been achieved over the past ten months.

However, a Government office cannot be relocated overnight. In order to do it correctly, the relocation of all or part of an organisation must be carefully planned and the new personnel must be in place before the physical move can take place. This is in addition to the procurement or construction of a suitable office premises.

Regarding applications for Newcastle West on the central applications facility, 50 staff from the Revenue Commissioners are scheduled to transfer to Newcastle West. Up to and including 7 September last, which was the closing date for priority applications, a total of 109 applications had been received on the CAF. All of the applications are from civil servants. Of the 109 applications, 81 are from people currently employed by the Revenue Commissioners.

The following is a brief analysis of the applications made for the positions advertised on the CAF. There are two applications from the assistant principal grade for one post advertised, three applications from the higher executive officer grade for three posts advertised, 32 applications from the executive officer grade for nine posts advertised, seven applications from the staff officer grade for three posts advertised, 49 applications from the clerical officer grade for 31 posts advertised and one application from a service officer against three posts advertised. In addition, there are 15 applications from people in grades other than those which are advertised on the CAF. Of the 109 applications, 102 were received from staff who are employed outside Dublin and the remaining seven are from people employed in Dublin.

On foot of the Government decision, the Commissioners of Public Works advertised for suitable sites or buildings in the town of Newcastle West. Seventeen options were evaluated and a site proposed by Limerick County Council, at Bishop Street, was selected as the most suitable location for the Revenue Commissioners. A contract for sale has been received from Limerick County Council solicitors and it is currently with the Chief State Solicitor for approval. When all the legal formalities have been completed, the process of procuring the development of a suitable office building on the site for the Revenue Commissioners will proceed.

The actual transfer will take place when a number of matters have been brought to a conclusion. These include the construction and fitting out a building on the site purchased and the moving, induction and training of the new staff who will transfer with the organisation.

The next significant step in the decentralisation process will be a report by the implementation group, which is chaired by Mr. Phil Flynn, later in the autumn to the Cabinet sub-committee on decentralisation. This will outline the group's views on sequencing and timing. The selection of organisations for inclusion in the first phase of moves will need to have particular regard to the figures emerging from the CAF and any relevant property and business aspects.

Judging by the rate of applications to the CAF and the fact that the site is currently being acquired, Newcastle West should be in the first phase of decentralisation. I would not like to pre-empt the implementation group. However, in terms of meeting the criteria things are looking very good for Newcastle West. I am glad to have been able to give the Senator some good news.