John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of public servants from outside Ordnance Survey Ireland who have applied to join OSI in Dungarvan, County Waterford; the number of these that are administrative staff; the number that are technical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33728/06]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Finance when he expects to be in a position to invite tenders for the construction of a new headquarters for Ordnance Survey Ireland in Dungarvan, County Waterford; when it is planned to commence construction of the new OSI headquarters; when he expects construction to be completed; when the OSI plans to take occupation of the new headquarter building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33729/06]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of administrative staff of Ordnance Survey Ireland who have applied to transfer to Dungarvan, County Waterford; the percentage of the total OSI administrative staff this represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33730/06]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of technical staff of Ordnance Survey Ireland who have applied to transfer to Dungarvan, County Waterford; the percentage of the total OSI technical staff this represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33731/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 to 152, inclusive, together.

I am informed by Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) that the latest data from the Central Applications Facility (CAF) shows that a total of 49 public servants from outside OSI and 16 OSI staff have applied to decentralise to Dungarvan, Co Waterford. The indicative data available from CAF indicates that the majority of applicants to decentralise to Dungarvan have administrative backgrounds. OSI has an integrated grading level structure with a high degree of interchange subject to appropriate training.

The Decentralisation Implementation Group has adopted an individualised approach to state agencies and while the OSI are not part of the early movers group, arrangements are proceeding within the OSI in accordance with their implementation plan. They are working towards decentralising to Dungarvan in mid-2009 and training and assignment needs are being addressed in that context.

I am informed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that an advertisement was placed by the OPW in the national newspapers and the OJEU on Friday, 13 October 2006, seeking expressions of interest from experienced Developers/ Contractors who wish to be considered in connection with the provision of office accommodation for the OSI in Dungarvan. Expressions of interest are due to be received by Monday, 20 November 2006. This will be followed by a short listing of suitable candidates from whom tenders will be invited on a design/build basis. Subject to finalising the accommodation brief with the OSI, the OPW should be in a position to invite tenders by mid-January 2007. Evaluation of tenders is expected to result in the selection of a preferred tenderer, who will be required to obtain a satisfactory planning permission. On completion of the planning process, the OPW will instruct the preferred tenderer to submit working drawings and a bill of quantities with a view to a contract being placed and work commencing on site by the mid-2007 target date. It is estimated that construction will take up to two years and at the end of the construction period, the building would be ready for occupation by the OSI.