Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 716: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date in relation to the decentralisation process underway in his Department; the number of existing staff transferring to Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; the number of new staff to be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28964/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The decentralisation to Athlone is practically complete. Seven posts were recently relocated from Dublin to Mullingar. The main relocation of posts from Dublin to Mullingar will take place when the new office accommodation in Mullingar is ready for occupation.

Approximately 125 posts are now held by officers who will relocate to Mullingar with their posts. Volunteers for decentralisation will be assigned to the balance of approximately 175 posts as the current post-holders transfer out under the Dublin arrangements or in order to decentralise to other locations.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 717: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of planned staffing changes within each of the various sections of his Department under the decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28965/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Athlone element of the decentralisation of my Department is almost complete. Further Education Section, Teacher Education Section, Social Inclusion Unit, Staff Training & Development Unit and almost all of Post Primary Administration Section are now based in Athlone. Post Primary Administration Section will be fully based in Athlone within the next few weeks. Assignments will be made to 7 of the decentralised posts in Athlone in the coming weeks. No further staff changes are anticipated in connection with the decentralisation to Athlone.

The decentralisation to Mullingar will take place when the new office accommodation for my Department is ready for occupation. The level of staff changes needed in general administrative grades in the sections decentralising to Mullingar is shown on the table attached. One section — the Directorate of Regional Services — was relocated from Dublin to Mullingar last month. There will be no further staff changes in that section as a result of the decentralisation of my Department.

In addition to the general administration grades, 25 professional/technical posts are included in the decentralise to Mullingar. A staff change of 64% will be necessary in this cohort to complete the decentralisation.