510 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff who have transferred to his Department under the decentralisation CAF or DCAF schemes and who have found that they must make a further move to another section within six months of their Departmental transfer; the effect such moves have on staff morale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13103/07]

A total of 68 officers transferred into my Department and were assigned to various sections. None were required to move from those original sections within the period in question. The morale issue raised by the Deputy does not, therefore, arise.

I should add that my Department attempts to deploy its staff in such a way as to best meet its functions and responsibilities at any given time. In this context, the need for and desirability of transfers of staff can arise. No member of staff is exempt from such moves.