Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7799/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied that good progress continues to be made on this ambitious programme. I am particularly pleased with the continuing popularity of the programme among public servants. There are about 10,600 applications on the central applications facility to date and new applications are being received each week.

I refer the Deputy to the decentralisation implementation group's July 2005 report which identified progress in relation to property, implementation planning, numbers of applicants and human resources and industrial relations issues. In line with the group's approach to phasing, the report 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 can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs and successful acquisition of suitable sites. I understand that the OPW is currently updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

Discussions have progressed with the Civil Service general service unions on a number of human resource and industrial relations issues. Actual movement of staff within and between Departments and offices is now under way with approximately 1,150 staff already assigned to posts which will decentralise. Discussions are continuing with the professional and technical staff representative in respect of arrangements for staff in those grades.

With regard to the State agencies, the decentralisation implementation group took the view that it would not seek to dictate every step in the process to the management of the state agencies. Although the group proposed a group of state agencies for early mover status it did not include specific timeframes in recognition of this approach and also of the fact that it is the responsibility of the board and senior management of each agency to implement Government policy. The group stated in its report that each agency included in the programme should have a successful relocation as a high level strategic objective and should prepare the next and deeper iteration of its implementation plan. In the meantime, the OPW is continuing to seek property solutions in respect of any agency that requires it.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Finance the timescale for decentralisation to Listowel, County Kerry; the number of applicants for relocation to Listowel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/06]

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 data from the central applications facility, published in September 2004 indicated that there were 49 applications for decentralisation to Listowel. The indicative timeframe for the provision of the building is the last quarter of 2006 and it is expected that the movement of staff to Listowel will be commenced as soon as the building is available.