223 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will commence employment with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/10]

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, my Department's Headquarter Office in Wexford is expected to be completed and ready for occupation by end March 2010. Subject to this date being met, staff will move into these offices in phases during April starting firstly with staff in temporary accommodation in Wexford followed by Dublin based staff. There are almost 40 provincial based staff serving in other Departments who are also decentralising to my Department in Wexford. The phased transfer of these staff into my Department will be progressed with a view to them commencing work from April/May, 2010.