Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress made to date in relation to the decentralisation of Government Departments and associated agencies to Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20132/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Decentralisation to Drogheda encompasses a total of five organisations, including the transfer of around 750 posts. Three Ministers have responsibility for these organisations as follows:

The Minister for Transport is answering in respect of his Department. I am asking my colleagues the Minister for Social & Family Affairs and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to communicate directly with the Deputy in relation to their Departments and Organisations.

Overall, I understand that good progress is being made across the three Departments in relation to the staffing, property and business aspects of relocation. In recent months the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) met with the Secretaries General of these three Departments and the Chairman has stated that he is satisfied with the level of progress to date. I understand that the DIG are undertaking a series of meetings with the CEOs of State Agencies to evaluate progress.