Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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On 15 July last, the Government approved my plan for a reorganisation of my Department's Local Office Network. The plan involves reducing from 57 to 16 the number of offices from which the Department will operate District Veterinary, Forestry and Agricultural Environment and Structures support services in the future. This will result in a reduction of some 400 in the number of staff working in my Department and yield significant savings for the exchequer. As part of this overall reorganisation 74 staff will be relocated to Mellows College, Athenry and three offices currently occupied by the Department in County Galway will be closed. Apart from furnishing and minor costs associated with the transfer of files, etc., there are minimal other costs associated with the move from Dockgate Centre, Galway to Mellows College, Athenry. There are no costs associated with the cessation of the existing facilities at Dockgate Centre as the Office of Public Works has identified an alternative use for that premises. While this reorganisation will yield significant savings for the Exchequer, no staff will be made redundant.