17 June 2005
Government buildings within the Stormont estate in Belfast might be sold off as part of a programme to rationalise civil service accommodation, Northern Ireland's Department of Finance and Personnel has announced.
Proposals drawn up by civil servants, but not yet approved by ministers, suggest that this could save about £100m and provide better offices.
The programme would take place over five to seven years. Civil servants' offices would be included in the plans, but not Parliament Buildings, Stormont Castle, Stormont House or the public park.
A DFP spokesman said that as well as offering better value for money, the proposals were 'also likely to provide a welcome boost to the local construction and service industry'.
But the idea has been strongly attacked by Northern Ireland's main public sector union, Nipsa. General secretary John Corey said: 'This is privatisation gone mad. It is not only selling the family silver, but selling the family home as well. The claim that the action could save taxpayers £100m is pie in the sky. If new or refurbished buildings are needed, these can be secured through normal procurement arrangements.'
PFjun2005