Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department's decentralisation programme is on target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5493/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that my Department's decentralisation programme is on target. As regards the acquisition of a site, the Office of Public Works has identified a local authority site in Killarney for which to develop offices for the Department. The projects division of OPW has decided on a design and build option. OPW sought and received submissions from interested developers throughout the country as regards this option and the next step will involve OPW in the assessment of the submissions. The objective is to seek tenders for the building contract in mid-year and for the building work to commence later in 2005.

As regards staffing matters, I understand that a transfer protocol has been agreed centrally by the decentralisation unit in the Department of Finance. This will clear the way to commence the transfer to my Department of staff who have applied for decentralisation to Killarney. I expect that the timeframe set for the Department to be operating effectively and efficiently from the decentralised office will be met.