Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale for the decentralisation of Development Cooperation Ireland to Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18630/05]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff members of Development Cooperation Ireland who have signalled their intention to decentralise; their roles and positions within the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18631/05]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations made by aid agencies, unions and others regarding the decentralisation of Development Cooperation Ireland to Limerick; if they have been supportive of or overwhelmingly opposed to the plan; the reasons for their support or opposition; if staff in DCI support the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18646/05]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the decentralisation proposals which may undermine the effectiveness of the Government overseas aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18629/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 59, 63 and 66 together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question No. 1. As regards the grades of staff involved, I have made available with my earlier reply a table detailing applications which have been made under the central applications facility, CAF, for Development Cooperation Ireland posts in Limerick. A number of representations have been received referring to potential risks to the aid programme arising from decentralisation to Limerick. We will do everything in our power to mitigate those risks.

Decentralisation is a voluntary process. To date, a number of staff have chosen to move with Development Cooperation Ireland to Limerick. I hope that more will volunteer as we approach the decentralisation date. In addition, a number of staff of my Department have opted for decentralisation with other Departments.

The position in regard to development specialists who do not opt to transfer to Limerick is dependent on the outcome of a case before the Labour Court and central negotiations between unions and the Department of Finance. For all staff in Development Cooperation Ireland, decentralisation will mean a period of change. Major challenges will have to be faced. Senior management in Development Cooperation Ireland are making every effort to ensure that there is full and satisfactory communication and consultation with staff during this period.