John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 87: To ask the Minister for Finance if he envisages making any special provision for promotion and for new recruitment in the context of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29886/04]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Promotion and recruitment are key elements of the Government's decentralisation programme. In the implementation phase, they are important in supporting the efficient movement of Departments and offices to their new locations. In a decentralised service, acceptance of a post, whether as a result of promotion or open recruitment, will have to be conditional on agreement to work in a particular location.

The need for new procedures in these areas has been clearly identified as a priority by the decentralisation implementation group. In accordance with the group's recommendations, the Department of Finance has begun detailed discussions with the staff unions on the procedures which must be put in place to support the programme and to develop arrangements for a fully decentralised service. It is essential that these procedures be discussed and agreed in partnership between management and staff.

To support the implementation phase, Departments and offices are making promotion appointments to posts, which it is planned will be decentralised, conditional on appointees undertaking to relocate to a particular decentralised location. Open recruitment to posts which it is planned will be decentralised are also being made conditional on appointees undertaking to relocate to a particular decentralised location.