Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 341: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of the 380 decentralised jobs promised to County Donegal in Budget 2003 which have been delivered; if they have not yet been delivered the precise timeframe for delivery of these decentralised jobs to Gweedore; the number of people who have opted for decentralisation to this location; and the number of those who have indicated their willingness to move who are currently working in Dublin. [23755/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The only issue coming within my remit, which is relevant to the Deputy's Question, is the proposal that 30 Foras na Gaeilge posts be located in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal. This was announced in Budget 2003, subject to agreement of the North-South Ministerial Council. Agreement on the issue was finalised earlier this year and the Board of Foras na Gaeilge was subsequently asked to bring forward firm proposals in relation to the phases of locating a staff complement of 30 in Gaoth Dobhair, as well as the precise sections and functions to be located there.

I have been informed by Foras na Gaeilge that the issue was discussed at their Board meeting on 8 May 2006 and that it will be discussed further at their next Board meeting which is scheduled for 26 June 2006. I look forward to these proposals being made available shortly after that meeting.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 342: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of the 80 decentralised jobs promised to County Galway in Budget 2003 which have been delivered; if they have not yet been delivered the precise timeframe for delivery of these decentralised jobs to Clifden and Furbo; the number of people who have opted for decentralisation to each location; and the number of those who have indicated their willingness to move who are currently working in Dublin. [23757/06]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 343: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of the 290 decentralised jobs promised to County Mayo in Budget 2003 which have been delivered; if they have not yet been delivered the precise timeframe for delivery of these decentralised jobs to Knock Airport; the number of people who have opted for decentralisation to each location; and the number of those who have indicated their willingness to move who are currently working in Dublin. [23759/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.

The Department's programme for decentralisation to Galway involves relocating 10 posts to Na Forbacha. 7 posts have already relocated there and it is expected that the balance will be in place next year. 6 out of the 11 officers who applied to decentralise to Na Forbacha were located in Dublin.

Pobal is relocating 40 posts to Clifden, 19 of which will be in place in Clifden by the end of August. The selection process to fill a further 2 posts is ongoing. The full complement of staff will be relocated when Pobal's permanent offices are complete, which is expected early in 2008. One post was filled by an officer relocating from Dublin and the remaining posts have or are being filled by way of local recruitment.

As regards decentralisation to Mayo, the Department is committed to relocating 140 posts to Knock Airport. OPW have indicated that the Department's headquarters building will be in place by mid 2008. To further the decentralisation process, 65 posts will be relocated into temporary accommodation in Tubbercurry from next month. Those posts will then be relocated to Knock Airport when the new building is ready.

We have received 145 applications to decentralise to Knock Airport, 48 of which came from officers located in Dublin.