Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Finance if a building has been acquired for the decentralisation of Revenue Commissioners' jobs to Listowel, County Kerry; when the process of moving the staff to Listowel will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6542/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works has identified a suitable property solution for the accommodation of 50 Revenue staff due to decentralise to Listowel. The indicative timeframe for the provision of the building is the last quarter of 2006. The movement of staff to Listowel will be commenced by the Revenue Commissioners as soon as the building is available.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of locations which have been fully or over-subscribed in the decentralisation programme; the timetable for relocation in each case; if a property has been earmarked for the decentralised office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6565/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To date, there are 22 locations where the total number of applicants on the central applications facility exceeds the number of posts on offer. I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the position is not static as applicants may opt to change preferences at any stage during the transition phase. He will be aware also that there may not be a precise grade match in each case between advertised posts and CAF applicants. These issues are being worked through as the programme is rolled out.

Property has been acquired by the Office of Public Works, or a State-owned site has been selected, in ten of these locations to date with a building purchased in one further location. A site or lease is under negotiation in a further six locations. The remaining five locations are at site assessment stage.

The July 2005 report of the decentralisation implementation group provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie. The final construction dates will be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on successful acquisition of suitable sites, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs, the level and quality of market interest in respect of each site and successful negotiation of contracts. I understand that the OPW are currently updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.