Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of the decentralisation of his staff to Carrick-on-Shannon; the number of staff already decentralised; the numbers yet to be decentralised and the timetable for this; the status of property acquisition and the cost involved; when the property will be ready for occupation; the numbers which it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3835/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the programme of decentralisation, 220 posts in the Department are to be relocated to Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is charged with securing accommodation in Carrick-on-Shannon for this Department. Following an examination of the availability of accommodation in Carrick-on-Shannon, it was decided, following consultation with this Department, that a building which was under construction would provide the most suitable solution in the short-term and would allow the Department progress its decentralisation programme. To date, 113 employees have relocated to this building in Carrick-on-Shannon. A further 27 posts will transfer during the first quarter of 2008. The annual rental cost for this office space is €800,000 and fit-out costs have totalled €4,331,000.

At this time, there is no indicative timeframe from the OPW regarding the availability of further accommodation in Carrick-on-Shannon. The Department is, however, fully committed to fulfilling its obligation under the programme.