Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will clarify and justify the requirement that existing long-term contract staff should be subject to the acceptance of decentralisation prior to any establishment of their positions in view of the fact that the Government has consistently maintained that decentralisation for current staff was voluntary. [35779/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004 provides for the transfer of 10,300 civil service and public sector posts from Dublin to other locations. Almost all Departments are involved, either wholly or partly. A number of semi-State organisations are also involved in the programme.

The programme is voluntary, that is, staff may opt to decentralise with their post or to another post in a decentralised location, or they may opt to remain in Dublin.

Discussions are under way between the Department of Finance and the Civil Service unions on the procedures which will apply in respect of staff opting to remain in Dublin and some progress has been made.

To ensure the efficient implementation of the programme, my Department has requested other Departments and offices to make every effort to ensure that the filling of decentralising posts is done on the basis that the appointee agrees to decentralise with that post. Interdepartmental promotion competitions are being run on the basis that appointees will agree to relocate with their new post. Where a post is being filled by recruitment, it is particularly important that this relocation condition is applied. The Deputy should be aware that the Public Appointments Service is involved in the recruitment of staff on the basis that they will move with their posts to a new decentralised location.

Regarding long-term contract staff seeking appointment to established posts, this is a matter that is being discussed with relevant trade unions with a view to reaching an agreement that will balance the interests of staff with the need to ensure that decentralisation posts are filled.