Written answers

Tuesday, 19 April 2005

Department of Finance

Decentralisation Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of semi-State companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11670/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In the decentralisation implementation group's report of 19 November 2004, it was recommended that the State agencies listed in the table below receive initial priority attention in terms of implementing the programme while still ensuring progress for the remaining organisations.

Location Organisation Posts
Birr FÁS 390.5
Clonakilty BIM 94
Drogheda Comhairle 47.5
Dundalk Sustainable Energy Ireland 40
Loughrea National Safety Council 12
Portarlington National Council for Curriculum and Assessment 28
Thomastown Health and Safety Authority 111
Total 723

In selecting these agencies the DIG had to consider a number of criteria. These included the number of applicants to the central applications facility and the degree of progress made by the Office of Public Works in advancing a property solution at each location. The DIG indicated that it would report again in 2005 on those locations and organisations not covered in the previous report.

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will bring into place a scheme to allow employees of semi-State firms who do not wish to be decentralised to transfer to Departments and agencies remaining in Dublin. [11671/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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From the announcement of the Government's decentralisation programme in December 2003, it was made clear that participation in the relocation programme was voluntary. All those civil and public servants wishing to remain in Dublin on the transfer of their current post will be offered an alternative public service post in Dublin. My Department has been in ongoing discussions with the civil service unions concerning all the issues arising from implementation of the programme, including the concerns of those staff wishing to remain in Dublin. Officials of my Department would be willing to have similar discussions with the unions representing staff in the State agencies participating in the programme.

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the ongoing practice of semi-State companies of compelling employees to agree to a decentralisation clause in contracts associated with promotion. [11672/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has made it clear that participation in the relocation programme is on a voluntary basis. Staff in the participating organisations have been assured that if they wish to remain in Dublin, they will be offered an alternative public service post in the capital. This remains the position. It has been clear from the beginning that future promotion policies must take account of the reality of the decentralisation programme. In its report of 31 March 2004, the decentralisation implementation group said there was a clear case for making promotions conditional on the appointees moving to the decentralised locations. It also said that this should not be seen as undermining the voluntary nature of the programme.

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