Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 158: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will comment on the concerns submitted to him in relation to the transfer of staff in County Donegal (details supplied); if he is concerned about the matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14398/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is set to complete a significant reorganisation of local offices during 2012. The original reorganisation savings targets have substantially been met, involving the redeployment of some 400 staff from the Department's local offices without replacement. This has reduced operational costs by some €30 million annually.

A strategic analysis of staffing levels in the local offices was undertaken in 2009 and this analysis formed the basis of the staffing requirement for the new structure of 16 enhanced regional offices. The majority of these enhanced offices have already reached their reduced 2009 staffing levels and are delivering an enhanced service to our customers. We are in the final phase of this adjustment in the remaining offices, including the Donegal regional office in Raphoe. I am satisfied that the Raphoe office will be fully capable of meeting the business requirements of the enhanced office.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Croke Park Agreement facilitates these arrangements and in particular provides the opportunity to redeploy staff to another Department, which, in this instance has a demand to fill vacancies in Letterkenny, Buncrana and Donegal.