Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 86: 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. [42774/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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 the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. The number of posts to be relocated to Newbridge is approximately 200 civil service posts together with 43 military. A further 335 military posts together with 78 support staff will decentralise to the new DFHQ building in the Curragh. Close to 90% of clerical/administrative staff are now in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge. The building is under construction and is expected to be ready for occupation by December 2009.

In relation to the decentralisation of DFHQ to the Curragh, a state-owned site has been chosen for a new building. The total cost and 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.