Written answers

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Department of Foreign Affairs

Decentralisation Programme

5:00 pm

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 28: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the concerns of development agencies regarding the possible loss of experienced development specialists for Irish Aid as a result of the decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3925/07]

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 64: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of experienced development specialists, currently working in the aid programme, projected to be retained by the Irish Aid organisation after decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3944/07]

Photo of Ciarán CuffeCiarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 104: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in the decentralisation of Irish Aid to Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4279/07]

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 108: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of experienced development staff currently working in Irish Aid, who have committed to decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/07]

Photo of Conor LenihanConor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 64, 104 and 108 together.

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs will decentralise to Limerick. This is scheduled to take place during the second half of 2007 and will involve the relocation to Limerick of 124 posts.

I am aware from my ongoing contacts with the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of their concerns in relation to decentralisation and the role of development specialists in the Irish Aid programme.

Development specialists perform an important role in the business of Irish Aid. The specialists work alongside diplomatic and general service staff, in close contact and co-operation with each business unit within the Division.

There are a number of issues to be worked out with regard to the specialist posts which are scheduled to move. Discussions are on-going at a very senior level with representatives of the specialists, with their union IMPACT and with the Department of Finance in order to resolve the outstanding issues. I am conscious of the concerns of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about the position of the development specialists, but I hope that these discussions can be brought to a successful conclusion at an early date.

The present situation, given that the discussions referred to above are actively under way, is that no Principal Development Specialist has applied to decentralise to Limerick while of the twelve Senior Development Specialists posts at headquarters, two originally applied but subsequently withdrew their applications.

There are also nine Development Specialist posts at headquarters. Five Development specialists originally applied to decentralise to Limerick and subsequently withdrew their applications. At present four specialists, who commenced employment since the announcement of the decentralisation programme in December 2003, are scheduled to decentralise.

I should also point out that there are 20 development specialists attached to Embassies in our programme countries.

Decentralisation is a Government decision and the Government is committed to moving ahead with its implementation. At present, 53 posts in the Directorate are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. A further 15 officers who are serving elsewhere in the Department, mostly abroad will be taking up duty in Irish Aid in Limerick in advance of the move. In addition, 20 officers from other Departments who have applied to decentralise to Limerick, most of whom are currently based in provincial locations, will transfer to the Department closer to the date of the move. Once these officers take up duty in Irish Aid, 88 posts (71% of the 124 posts scheduled to move) will be in place.

A small number of staff at entry grades will be recruited for direct assignment to Limerick in the months preceding the move.

Very importantly, almost all of the senior management team for Limerick are in place. In this regard, the Director General of Irish Aid will be decentralising to Limerick, as will 8 Counsellors who are already in place in the Directorate. The changeover of the senior management team, just as in other grades, has been implemented in a planned and careful way so as to minimise disruption to the business of the Directorate.

In addition, and in order to help effect the smoothest possible transfer to Limerick, plans are in train for an advance party move involving approximately 50 staff members which is scheduled for May.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.