Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Defence the current and capital expenditure which has been incurred to date in respect of the decentralisation projects which have been deferred until a further review occurs in 2011. [38890/08]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 320: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have been relocated to each of the decentralised locations established by units or agencies under his Department; the floor areas and occupancy capacity of each of the facilities concerned; and the date by which it is intended to complete the transfer of remaining staff. [38905/08]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of staff moves that have been necessitated by the decentralisation programme in units or agencies in his Department distinguishing the moves at managerial or technical level. [38920/08]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Defence the facilities in Dublin which units or agencies under his Department, plan to vacate as a result of the decentralisation programme; the floor areas involved; and when it is planned that they will be realised. [38935/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 to 322, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that 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 for the decentralisation of Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. I am pleased to confirm that both projects are going ahead as planned.

The number of posts to be relocated to Newbridge is approximately 200 civil servants and 43 military personnel. A further 410 military personnel will decentralise to the new Defence Forces Headquarters at the Curragh.

No members of staff have moved to these locations to date. Construction of the building in Newbridge is underway and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have advised that the building will be completed by December 2009. To date close to 90% of clerical/administrative civil service staff are in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge. All staff will move to Newbridge together when the building is completed.

In relation to the decentralisation of DFHQ, a State owned site for the new building has been identified in the Curragh. The timescale for completion of the project will be determined by the outcome of the proposed tender competition that is currently being prepared by OPW. It is expected that tenders will be invited in the near future. Military personnel will move from Dublin to the new building when it is completed.

Site acquisition, building construction and fit-out costs for both these projects are borne on the OPW Vote. Property in Dublin vacated as a result of decentralisation is also a matter for the OPW. When the transfer to both Newbridge and the Curragh is complete, my Department expects to release properties at Infirmary Road and Glasnevin to the OPW for disposal and/or reallocation.