Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 85: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the new Departmental offices in Carrick-on-Shannon have opened; the capacity they have; and the number of members of staff that have been provided with office space there. [15327/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, 220 posts in my Department are due to be relocated to Carrick-on-Shannon under the Government's decentralisation programme.

Having carried out an examination of available accommodation in the town, the Office of Public Works (OPW) decided, in consultation my Department, that an office development then under construction would provide the most suitable solution to the Department's accommodation needs. The "fit out" of this building (which will accommodate up to 186 people) is nearing completion.

Initially, some 130 posts will be relocated to this building with the first group of 47 staff expected to move in over the coming weeks.

The Department is committed to completing the decentralisation programme to Carrick-on-Shannon and will review the position when the initial moves have taken place.