Written answers

Tuesday, 5 October 2004

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Decentralisation Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the Health and Safety Authority is not meeting the targets set by Government in respect of decentralisation to Thomastown, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23269/04]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Health and Safety Authority is actively working to implement the Government decision on decentralisation. An implementation team reports directly to the chief executive and progress is reported to the board of the authority on a regular basis.

Staff have been briefed on the government decision and discussions have commenced with the staff unions through the authority's industrial relations council. A detailed implementation plan has been prepared in consultation with the key stakeholders and submitted to the Flynn working group. The plan sets out the challenges, opportunities and issues arising for the authority and its staff from the decentralisation programme and sets out indicative timelines for delivery of the programme together with proposed models for continuity of service. Proposals are being formulated for optimal delivery of compliance and enforcement services to all of the country and in particular the south east, greater Dublin area and Border regions.

Results from the central applications facility show that there were a total of 51 expressions of interest nationally in Thomastown. A more detailed analysis of grade breakdown and skills is expected shortly, which will facilitate development of the next phase of the implementation plan.

Discussions have taken place with the Office of Public Works in relation to identification and procurement of a suitable site in Thomastown and construction of a head office facility for the authority. A detailed specification has been developed and submitted to the Office of Public Works in this regard.

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