Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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132. To ask the Minister for Social Protection in the context of the CEDRA report what the justification is for closing the Government offices in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, and in the process, further undermining the social and economic fabric of the town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39878/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection (DSP) currently has 10 staff based in Government Buildings on Teeling Street, Tubbercurry.

The DSP office in Teeling Street is not a public office. The staff based in the office are currently responsible for the nationwide administration of the Gateway Scheme, the Rural Social Scheme, Tús and the Community Services Programme.

With 20% occupancy, the Department of Social Protection is a minor tenant in the building on Teeling Street. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) is the major tenant.

DSP has recently been advised of DCELG plans to permanently relocate their staff from Tubbercurry in the short term.

DSP is examining potential alternative locations to which the work currently being undertaken by DSP staff in Tubercurry can be relocated. Locations in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim are being explored but no decision has yet been made. There will be no impact for customers as a result of the decision and every effort is being made to ensure that the staff currently located in Tubbercurry are accommodated with suitable alternative work locations.