Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to decentralise sections of her Department to Donegal town; if a site has been identified and purchased; when its is expected that the decentralisation to Donegal will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5911/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the current programme of decentralisation, 258 posts in the Department are to be relocated to Donegal Town. As outlined in Budget 2009, the Government, following a review of the decentralisation programme, in light of the changed economic circumstances and the deterioration in public finances, agreed a revised schedule for the programme. In prioritising projects, a number of factors had to be taken into consideration, including issues such as sites purchased and commitments already made, costs involved and the expectations of staff already assigned to decentralising posts.

The Office of Public works is charged with securing accommodation for this Department's decentralisation programme and have advised that they have not purchased a site in Donegal Town.

The remaining elements of the programme have been deferred pending a review in 2011 in light of the budgetary developments. The position in respect of relocation to Donegal Town will be reviewed at that time.