Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with other Departments or State agencies which are concerned at the potential loss of expertise and corporate knowledge as a result of the Government's decentralisation programme; the steps being taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12394/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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When the decentralisation programme was announced the Government appointed a decentralisation implementation group to drive the process forward. The implementation group asked that all organisations participating in the programme should prepare detailed implementation plans, including risk mitigation plans. These plans were prepared and submitted to the group. In its July 2004 report, the group noted that the overall quality of the plans was good. In line with a recommendation in the group's November 2004 report, each of the Departments and organisations scheduled as early movers has prepared a revised implementation plan detailing the steps that need to be taken in order to complete the moves to the new locations successfully. These have been submitted to the group which has been examining them in detail. All other decentralising organisations are currently preparing revised implementation plans.

I understand the implementation group has recently met with the Secretaries General of decentralising Departments to discuss the overall planning frameworks and review progress to date. Following this round of discussions I understand that the chairman of the group has stated that he is satisfied that senior civil servants are leading the implementation of this programme in a professional and carefully planned manner. In addition, the early assignment of staff to the particular posts which are decentralising will greatly assist in skilling up staff in their new roles. To date, I am pleased to report that in excess of 1,200 staff have been assigned to decentralising posts.

On a more general note, the Deputy will be interested to note that the Committee for Public Management Research, CPMR, has prepared a discussion paper entitled, A review of knowledge management in the Irish Civil Service — CPMR paper No. 30. This study aims to raise awareness of knowledge management issues and approaches among Departments and offices.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Finance the information available from the central applications facility in respect of applications from civil servants and other public servants currently located in Dublin who wish to transfer to new locations outside of Dublin under the Government's decentralisation programme; the way in which this compares with the Government target of 10,300; if agreement has been reached with all public service unions regarding promotional opportunities for persons who chose to move and persons who opt to remain where they are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12395/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The latest figures from the central applications facility show there is very substantial interest in the programme. To date there have been over 10,600 applications made to the central applications facility. Of these over 50% are from Dublin based staff.

The following is the current position in relation to promotions policy and decentralisation. In the Civil Service, progress has been made in discussions with the general service unions on issues relating to decentralisation including promotions arrangements. Discussions are ongoing on these issues with the unions representing the professional and technical grades in the Civil Service. I am hopeful these and other decentralisation issues arising in the State agency sector can be discussed with the relevant unions with a view to arriving at arrangements which support the decentralisation process while also meeting the concerns of staff. In the meantime, practices in decentralising organisations relating to recruitment, promotion, etc., must take account of the reality of decentralisation.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of meetings which he has had with the implementation commission for decentralisation; and the subject of these meetings. [12537/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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When the decentralisation programme was announced, the Government appointed a decentralisation implementation group to drive the process forward. The group formally submits its reports on progress with implementation of the programme to me which I then submit to the Government for its consideration. The Government has approved the recommendations contained in the group's reports published in March 2004, July 2004, November 2004 and June 2005.

In addition, I met the current chair of the group in July last during which I received an update in relation to the main issues arising on implementation of the decentralisation programme. I also met the former chair of the group in November 2004. In addition, I understand that my predecessor met the former chair of the group in March 2004.