Written answers

Wednesday, 27 April 2005

Department of Finance

Decentralisation Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which decentralisation targets set by his Department have been met and the costs involved or anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13704/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The two reports of the decentralisation implementation group, DIG, dated 31 March 2004 and 30 July 2004, provide detailed accounts of the progress made in implementing the decentralisation programme announced in December 2003. An analysis of the applications registered with the central applications facility by 7 September 2004 has also been published. I also refer the Deputy to the presentations made to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service on 6 October 2004 by the chair of the implementation group, the CEO of the Public Appointments Service and the Department of Finance.

In addition, the implementation group prepared two further reports in November 2004 which were approved by the Government and subsequently published. One of these reports identified the organisations/locations which, in the implementation group's view, should be the first to relocate. The second report comprises a procurement methodology and financial assessment of the property element of the programme.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Finance the Government Departments or parts thereof which have so far been settled under the decentralisation programme; the expected end of year out-turn for the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13705/05]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The decentralisation implementation group was appointed to drive forward the overall implementation of the decentralisation programme. The two reports of the implementation group, dated 31 March 2004 and 30 July 2004, provided detailed accounts of the progress made in implementing the programme.

In addition, the implementation group prepared two further reports in November 2004 which were approved by the Government and subsequently published. One of these reports identified the organisations/locations which, in the implementation group's view, should be the first to relocate. This included details of the indicative construction completion dates in respect of office accommodation for the early mover organisations.

The OPW has to date agreed 15 property solutions in principle and a further 20 plus locations are at an advanced stage in the acquisition process. Sites for the remaining locations in the programme are being pursued by the OPW. The Public Appointments Service has recently provided Departments with the details of those civil and public servants who have applied to relocate with it. Departments are now arranging for the transfer of staff into each organisation for training purposes.

The central applications facility, CAF, continues to accept applications and will do so for the foreseeable future. I understand that over 650 new applications have been received since 7 September 2004. These 650 are in addition to the over 9,200 people who had applied in advance of the closing date for priority applications on 7 September. The Public Appointments Service has undertaken an intensive operation to liaise with applicants to ensure that their applications are both valid and accurate. I understand that the decentralisation implementation group will report again soon on those locations/organisations not dealt with in its November 2004 report.

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