Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of a section of his Department to Tipperary Town, including completion of site purchase, appointment of building contractors, commencement of building works and target date for completion of building work and target date for the actual transfer of staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37835/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I am pleased to confirm that contracts for the purchase of a suitable site for the proposed decentralisation of sections of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to Tipperary town have been signed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). An advertisement was placed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the national newspapers and the OJEU on Friday 13th October 2006 seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced developers/contractors who wish to be considered in connection with the provision of office accommodation. Expressions of Interest are due to be received by Monday 20th November 2006. This will be followed by a short-listing of suitable candidates from whom tenders will be invited on a design/build basis. The OPW is currently finalising the brief of accommodation requirements with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Evaluation of tenders is expected to result in the selection of a preferred tenderer. 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 at the earliest possible date. A construction period of approximately 20 months is envisaged. As the site acquisition and building work progresses, staff will be moved into the relevant sections in the Department.