Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of departmental and agency staff now decentralised; the amount has spent on interim accommodation for both his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department since the commencement of the decentralisation project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39374/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's headquarters are scheduled to decentralise to Charlestown, Co Mayo, under the Decentralisation Programme. To date, a total of 100 staff have relocated to interim accommodation in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. This number has now reduced to 81 owing to recent reductions in staff numbers and also the transfer of the Rural Social Scheme and Community Services Programme to the Department of Social Protection. Two properties are being leased in Tubbercurry by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department. OPW has advised that the yearly rental costs for both properties is just under €175,000, while fit-out costs of €402,000 have also been incurred to date.

The Deputy will also be aware that in December 2009, in light of the budgetary constraints and affordability issues, the Minister for Finance decided to defer proceeding with permanent accommodation in Charlestown at this time. This location, along with 4 other deferred projects, will be considered as part of an overall review of the Decentralisation Programme in 2011. Under the Decentralisation Programme, 10 staff of my Department were also due to decentralise to Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, and this process has now been completed. The officials in question have been accommodated in an extension to the offices in Na Forbacha, planned prior to decentralisation, and no material extra costs have arisen from this move.

In relation to the bodies that are funded from my Department's Vote Group, I can advise that, in line with the Decentralisation Programme:

- 25 staff relocated with Pobal to offices in Clifden, Co Galway, and that number has now reduced to19, following staff reductions. Rental and services charges for this accommodation amounted to €475,501 to end-September 2010.

- Foras na Gaeilge have recently relocated 5 staff to Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal. I am advised that no rental costs have been paid as yet in respect of this office.

- 16 staff have decentralised to offices in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, with the Equality Authority. OPW are meeting accommodation and rental costs arising.

- 10 staff have relocated to interim accommodation in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, with the Equality Tribunal. OPW are meeting accommodation and rental costs arising.

Each of these projects will be considered further as part of the overall review of the Decentralisation Programme in 2011.