Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is proposed to relocate the offices of Enterprise Ireland and related agencies from its present site at Glasnevin, Dublin to another Dublin location; if there are plans to relocate parts of the operations of these agencies as part to the Government's decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8499/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It has been a key strategic objective for Enterprise Ireland (EI), since the agency was established in 1998, to bring all Dublin based staff, currently spread over four separate buildings across the city, together in one location.

Having explored a number of possible solutions, the Board of Enterprise Ireland decided that the single site office solution offered in the East Point Business Park was the most appropriate from a number of perspectives, including value for money and flexibility. In September of 2006, following the Board decision, Enterprise Ireland signed a lease on two units in East Point. Enterprise Ireland will vacate the Glasnevin Site in the early part of 2008.

Enterprise Ireland is currently establishing its National Regional Development Headquarters as well as the County Enterprise Support Unit in Shannon. In addition, the functions hitherto carried out by Shannon Development in relation to the development of indigenous industry in the Mid-West Region were transferred to EI with effect from 1 January 2007. This transfer of function also involves the transfer of posts from Shannon Development to EI. The necessary arrangements to give effect to these changes are in train and will be completed over the coming months.

EI recently appointed a senior manager as Head of Regions and Entrepreneurship who will guide the transition and establishment of EI presence in the Mid-West Region. The CEO of EI, Mr Frank Ryan announced this appointment recently during a visit to the Region by the CEO and members of Enterprise Ireland's senior management team.

EI is currently sourcing a building in Shannon Town to accommodate the new functions being located in the Region and the staff transferring from Shannon Development. A number of options are under consideration and it is expected that a decision will be made by the end of March.

Progress on the full transfer of EI's HQ to Shannon, within the Government decentralisation programme, will be influenced by factors such as, the level of interest in the Shannon location expressed by CAF applicants and by progress made during discussions at a central level with regard to decentralisation.