Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress in relation to the relocation of the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon; the amount paid in rent for the CFB in Swords offices, including additional accommodation such as the warehouse and laboratory premises; when is it intended that the relocation will take place; the plans for the CFB premises in Glasnevin; the reason for its being vacated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21365/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The decentralisation of the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) involves relocating the entire Headquarters complement to Carrick-on-Shannon. In that regard, I can advise the Deputy that 41 staff have been recruited to posts relocating since the announcement of the decentralisation programme, the majority of which are temporary.

The other major element of the Decentralisation Programme relates to accommodation. Accommodation and property issues are in this regard a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). I understand that there were significant challenges in identifying a suitable accommodation solution for the board. However, I am pleased to advise that a new property in Carrick-on-Shannon is currently being jointly assessed by my Department, the OPW and the CFB, and may provide a solution which meets with the approval of all concerned.

In relation to the CFB's former and current premises, I can confirm to the Deputy that relocating the staff of the CFB from Glasnevin was due to inadequacies in those premises on health and safety grounds. No decision has been made yet as to the disposal of the Glasnevin premises when vacant.

The issue of rents paid by the CFB is a day-to-day operational matter for the board itself and I have no function in that regard.