Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 719: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the decentralisation of the Central Fisheries Board 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. [3827/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decentralisation of the Central Fisheries Board under the Government's programme involves the relocation 62 posts to Carrick-on-Shannon. To date, none of these posts has been decentralised. At present 20 staff have been recruited to posts relocating since the announcement of the Programme and some 20 staff have a relocation clause in their employment contract.

The Government has always recognised that the State agency aspect of the Programme presents different challenges from that of the Civil Service but is determined to make progress towards the objectives announced in December 2003. With a view to further advancing this element of the Programme, the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) is engaging in a round of meetings with each agency's CEO and the Secretary General of its parent Department.

The Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) has not included the Central Fisheries Board among the State Agencies ascribed early mover status. Property issues in relation to the Decentralisation Programme are a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). However, I understand from the Central Fisheries Board's ongoing liaison with the OPW, that a suitable accommodation solution for the Board has not yet been identified in Carrick-on-Shannon. In that regard no firm timelines have as yet been established and no costs have been incurred.