John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date in 2006 in implementing the Government's decentralisation programme for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5281/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is co-operating with the Department of Finance, the decentralisation implementation group, DIG, and the Office of Public Works to ensure the Government's decentralisation programme is implemented efficiently and effectively. The programme involves the relocation of my Department's operations to four locations in the south east, Wexford, Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny. In accordance with the Government decision on the first phase of moves under the programme, the transfer of my Department's headquarters to Wexford is included in the list of those organisations designated as early movers.

Implementation plans setting out the issues to be addressed in implementing the decentralisation programme for this Department have been submitted to the DIG. The plans are available to view on the Department's website www.environ.ie. At this stage, a total of 113 staff are available for transfer to Wexford and the transfer of volunteer staff to the Department is ongoing. My Department has also commenced the process of contacting applicants for the other three locations with a view to arranging for their early transfer to the Department.

In regard to property requirements, my Department and the Office of Public Works expect very shortly to agree a site for the location of the Department's headquarters. As regards the remaining three locations, the Office of Public Works is evaluating site options at present.