Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 216: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people relocated to date under the Government's decentralisation programme; when the programme will be completed in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24047/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A progress report by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) was submitted to me and published on 8th October last. The Group reported that implementation of the civil service elements of the Decentralisation Programme is progressing satisfactorily. At the end of August 2007, over 3,000 staff had been assigned to decentralising posts. Almost 1,300 of these are currently in place, in 20 new locations, while the remainder are being trained in advance of decentralisation to a new location. These staff will relocate as accommodation becomes available. In addition to these 20 locations there are a further 9 locations in which Agencies have established a presence.

It is envisaged that by the end of 2007 public services will be delivered from 33 of the decentralisation towns with approximately 2,000 staff transferred. The precise numbers moving within that time frame will depend on the availability of property as well as timeframes for completion of fit out and installation of necessary ICT (information communications technology) and telecommunication cabling and equipment.