Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost to date of the proposed decentralisation programme for his Department; the position regarding staffing levels that have decentralised; the efficiency of these changes to the workings of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41625/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's headquarters are decentralising to Charlestown, Co, Mayo and 100 staff have now relocated to an interim location in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo. At the end of September 2009, my Department had incurred expenditure of €1,534,583 on non-property costs arising from the move to the Tubbercurry offices. I should point out that this amount relates only to my Department and does not cover costs incurred by the Office of Public Works. The Deputy will also be aware that, under the decentralisation programme, 10 staff were due to decentralise to Na Forbacha, Co Galway. This process is now complete and has not resulted in any material additional costs to my Department. In relation to the staff and areas of operation of my Department that have decentralised to Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo and Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, I can confirm that these are now operating well in both decentralised locations.