Written answers

Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Department of Finance

Decentralisation Programme

10:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 202: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position in relation to State agencies and decentralisation; and the role of the staff on this matter. [19948/07]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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When the Decentralisation Programme was announced in December 2003 the Programme included the intention to relocate 30 State Agencies to locations outside of Dublin. The Sector represents just over 20% of the overall Government's decentralisation programme.

The Government has always recognised that this aspect of the programme presents different challenges from that of the Civil Service. I remain confident that through dialogue and negotiation, progress can be advanced.

The Labour Court recommendation in relation to the dispute between FÁS and SIPTU provides a renewed opportunity for both unions and management to address the relevant issues. As part of their recommendation, the Court states that it believes that the stated policy of effecting decentralisation on a voluntary basis could best be achieved if individuals who are unwilling to relocate are provided with realistic alternative career options, which take account of the proprietary rights and legitimate expectations which they have accrued in their current employments. The Court goes on to say that it believes that the appropriate authorities should address the issues arising in the broader context of decentralisation of non-commercial State Bodies overall. This aspect of the Labour Court finding is very much in line with the previously expressed view of the Decentralisation Implementation Group.

In relation to the state bodies generally, it is now a matter, in the first instance, for each body together with its parent Department, to manage their approach to implementation taking account of the implications of the Labour Court recommendation.

My Department has written to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to establish how progress can be made on this aspect of the Labour Court recommendation.

I have also made it clear that recruitment of staff to FÁS Headquarters and to other State Agencies for new decentralised locations will continue in line with the Government's policy on decentralisation. Already this policy has assisted in approximately 25% of staff now being in place for the new locations across the State Agencies.

The existing arrangements in the Civil Service in relation to promotions will not be affected by the Labour Court recommendation in the FÁS case. It is the Government's view that the recommendation is firmly rooted in the context of the State Agencies and has no implications for the Decentralisation Programme in the Civil Service. There are detailed arrangements in place to discuss any staff concerns in the Civil Service with staff representatives. The key forum in this regard is the General Council Subcommittee on Decentralisation which meets monthly.

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