222 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have applied to take up the offer of relocation under the decentralisation programme through the central admissions facility due to close on 8 July 2004; the distribution of applicants classified by the location for which they have applied; and by the grade they hold within the public service. [20333/04]

The central applications facility, CAF, is being operated by the Civil Service Commission. It was launched on 12 May 2004 and was due to close for priority applications on 8 July. However, this period has now been extended to 7 September 2004. Information and analysis of the type requested by the Deputy on applications to the CAF will be available later this week and will be provided as soon as possible to the various interested parties including the decentralisation implementation group, staff and management interests and so on. The information will be made publicly available.