Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the issues which have arisen following the risk analysis being conducted on his Department's decentralisation programme; the way in which it is intended to address those issues; the projected cost of resolving those issues; the overall cost of his Department's decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31974/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of giving effect to the Government's decision to decentralise my Department to Killarney, a decentralisation implementation plan has been prepared. The main risks identified in the plan relate to the loss of expertise and corporate knowledge owing to the high turnover of staff. The provision of appropriate and timely training for new staff will be key in addressing the issue.

The main costs of the decentralisation of my Department will be those relating to the acquisition of the site in Killarney and the construction of the new building. Those costs will be borne and monitored by the OPW, which has been charged with the responsibility of providing the office accommodation for my Department. It is not possible to project the overall cost of my Department's decentralisation programme at this stage, but all relevant costs will be carefully monitored.