Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the implementation by his Department of the Government decision on decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26003/08]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made to date on the decentralisation of the Defence Forces headquarters to the Curragh and his Department to Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/08]

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Defence the nature of costs the move of his Department under decentralisation will accrue to the State; if the costs will impact on the defence budget; if the move is on budget and on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25954/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 118 and 140 together.

The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and the transfer of Defence Force Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. Site acquisition, building construction and fit-out costs are borne on the Vote of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

In relation to the provision of accommodation at Newbridge, I am pleased to be able to confirm that OPW has signed a contract and work has commenced on site within the past few weeks. I am advised by the OPW that the building should be ready for occupation in December 2009 and that site acquisition, construction and fitting out costs amount to approx €30 million. Approximately 83% of clerical/administrative staff is now in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge. The building will provide for a total of 244 personnel (including 43 military).

In relation to the provision of accommodation for DFHQ at the Curragh, I am advised that OPW are currently preparing the necessary technical documentation and will shortly be inviting tenders. A definitive estimate of cost will be available once a contract has been awarded. I am advised that the current estimated date for availability of this accommodation is the end of 2010. Approximately 410 military personnel will be decentralising to the Curragh.