Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 3

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

531 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number in respect of the sections of his Department or boards or agencies operating under the aegis of his Department, it is proposed to decentralise which are currently housed in leased office space or premises; the annual amount paid in rent in each case; when the lease runs out in each case; if there are financial penalties involved in the breaking of the lease in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31303/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

The Deputy will be aware that the Government's decentralisation programme was announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement on Wednesday, 3 December last. Details of the programme as they relate to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, including the offices and agencies to be decentralised and the relevant staff numbers and locations, were outlined in the budget summary. The Minister for Finance is establishing a central implementation committee to drive forward the implementation of the programme. A departmental implementation committee, working with the central committee, has also been established. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that issues relating to accommodation are a matter for the Office of Public Works.