Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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33. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to relocate staff working with the Office of Public Works; the reasons for their relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26124/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Question refers to the relocation of OPW building maintenance staff from the Botanic Gardens, Four Courts and the Custom House to Collins Barracks, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Leinster House and Government Buildings.

It is necessary for operational purposes for the Commissioners of Public Works to align and relocate their building maintenance staff to locations from which to cater for the conservation and maintenance of its core buildings. These core buildings include Leinster House, the Government Buildings complex, Áras an Uachtárain and National Cultural Institutions including the National Museum. The Botanic Gardens, Four Courts and the Custom House will continue to be maintained and serviced by the relocated staff.

I am also advised by the Commissioners that the relocation of staff has been the subject of consultations between them and the National Joint Industrial Council group of Unions. Following these consultations, the matter was considered by the NJIC Unions at their meeting on 17 June, 2015. Following this meeting, it was confirmed by the NJIC Unions that the details provided by the OPW served to provide the NJIC Unions with the appropriate level of assurances.

Staffing numbers in the OPW have reduced by some 25% on both the Industrial and Established sides as a result of the moratorium. Staff assignment is regularly reviewed in accordance with operational priorities.

The OPW is proceeding to relocate its staff to Collins Barracks, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Leinster House and Government Buildings. This will take about two months to complete.