Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the moneys under the decentralisation programme for the period from 3 July to date in 2008 that have been expended, properties purchased and employees decentralised specifying all relevant locations under each of these headings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32116/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's headquarters, is decentralising to Limerick. This is scheduled to be completed in early November 2008 and involves the relocation to Limerick of 138 posts.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision of office accommodation for the Directorate in Limerick and is finalising work on a suitable premises on Henry Street in Limerick city centre. The OPW is responsible for Capital and Current budgets for Property and Accommodation costs incurred under the decentralisation programme.

An advance party has already decentralised to interim office premises in Limerick, with 76 officers currently in place. Of these 76 officers, 16 have decentralised since 3 July 2008. The remaining 62 posts in the Irish Aid Office will be filled after completion of the permanent accommodation in November 2008.

The table below sets out the non-property costs incurred by this Department from 03 July 2008 to date.