Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date of the decentralisation of Garda headquarters to Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8048/07]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date of the decentralisation of Garda fixed penalties unit to Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8049/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

Under the Government's Decentralisation Programme, one hundred and fourteen posts are scheduled to decentralise from sections in Garda Headquarters to Thurles by the end of 2008. The Garda Central Vetting Unit commenced its operations in Thurles in November 2005 involving the transfer from Dublin of thirty-one posts. Ten further posts will be added to that Unit in the coming weeks.

Another advance move is planned for 2007, when forty-three posts from the Fixed Charge Processing Unit will relocate to Thurles. The Office of Public Works has confirmed that tenders for the building work in respect of the new office have been sought and I understand that the accommodation is now expected to be ready for occupation in September.