Written answers

Tuesday, 7 March 2006

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Decentralisation Programme

11:00 pm

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff who have requested to relocate to Thomastown, County Kilkenny, from the Health and Safety Authority or elsewhere as part of the programme of decentralisation; the timeframe for the move; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9031/06]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I understand from the Health and Safety Authority that the number of staff who have requested to relocate to Thomastown based on central applications facility applications are 11 existing HSA staff; 41 civil servants; and ten other public servants. In addition, the authority has recruited or promoted 18 staff who have signed contracts which contain a Thomastown relocation clause.

As regards the timeframe for the move, the authority has been advised by the OPW that the site procurement is in the final stages and that the current timeline for availability for occupancy is mid-2008. The authority is also actively seeking an interim base in Kilkenny city to accommodate 21 staff who are in the process of recruitment for the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals strategy and some serving staff who wish to move in advance of the Thomastown premises being made available. All staff who move in the interim to Kilkenny city will transfer to Thomastown when the premises are complete.

With regard to progress to date, I have been advised by the authority that a detailed implementation plan has been prepared and submitted to the decentralisation implementation group. This plan was considered and approved by the board of the authority and is reviewed on a regular basis having regard to any developments that have taken place in the meantime. The matter is under active discussion with the staff unions at the authority's industrial relations council.

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