Written answers

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Department of Education and Skills

Decentralisation Programme

5:00 pm

Photo of Marcella Corcoran KennedyMarcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans he has for the FÁS offices in Birr, County Offaly; if any of the money spent on renting and preparing the office accommodation can be recouped by the Exchequer; if the moneys paid out by FÁS for land in Birr to build a new headquarters can be recouped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36855/11]

Photo of Ciarán CannonCiarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The Government recently announced that the Decentralisation Programme which was introduced in 2003 should be cancelled in the light of the budgetary and staffing outlook. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will review, in liaison with the OPW and the relevant Departments, the viability and future prospects of a number of the projects including the transfer of the FÁS Headquarters to Birr, having regard to the current budgetary and staffing constraints affecting the public service generally. The future of the site in Birr will be considered following the completion of this review.

FÁS has made full use of the temporary office accommodation with the occupation of staff, a jobs club and an employment services clinic and as such will not be entitled to recoup any rent nor will any expenditure on fitting out the premises be recouped by the Exchequer.

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