Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 467: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he anticipates that the decentralisation of Enterprise Ireland to Shannon will take place; when he will publish the ministerial designation allowing the transfer of Shannon Development employees to Enterprise Ireland; the number of Shannon Development staff to be transferred; and if employees do not want to transfer away from Shannon Development to Enterprise Ireland they will be free to remain at Shannon Development. [34097/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Enterprise Ireland (EI) working closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW) has identified, but not yet acquired, a preferred site for the construction of a new HQ building in Shannon. The preferred site is a 13-acre site owned by Shannon Development. In co-operation with Shannon Development and the OPW, the site was valued and a feasibility study carried out. The site occupies a prime position in Shannon and is considered suitable for a major landmark building or civic structure.

It is not possible, at this stage, to say with certainty when the full move of EI's HQ will take place. Influencing factors regarding the timing of the move to Shannon include the level of interest in the Shannon location expressed by CAF applicants and suitable transfer arrangements being established.

EI has recently announced that it intends to move its Regional Development Headquarters to Shannon as well as establishing a new unit in Shannon to work with the City and County Enterprise Boards. It is intended that these will be operational in Shannon by mid 2007.

The functions hitherto carried out by Shannon Development under delegated authority from Enterprise Ireland will revert to Enterprise Ireland on 1 January 2007. The transfer of functions will also involve the transfer of a number of staff from Shannon Development to Enterprise Ireland. The necessary arrangements to give effect to these changes are in train, including identification of the relevant posts and discussions with staff and their representatives. The transfer of staff will be effected by way of ministerial designation of the staff concerned and legislative measures, based on numerous precedents for transferring staff between public bodies, will be put in place to provide appropriate guarantees regarding the terms and conditions of the staff who will transfer from Shannon Development.

Enterprise Ireland will establish interim office accommodation in the region, to accommodate both the Shannon Development staff and EI HQ staff, by mid 2007.