Discussions aimed at extending the new civil service mobility scheme to Dublin are underway, with the target of having it introduced in the capital by the end of June.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) mobility team has also started initial work on extending the scheme to higher executive officers and administrative officers.

Over 4,000 clerical officers and executive officers have applied for transfers since the scheme was launched last September. More than 400 pre-offers have been made, and more than 50 transfers took place by the end of 2018.

Fórsa national secretary Derek Mullan said members had been posting very positive reviews about the scheme on the mobility website, with most citing the shorter commute as the main reason for taking up a transfer.

One worker, who moved from central Dublin to Celbridge, said the process was very straightforward. “The mobility staff were very helpful, and my new location has made a huge positive impact on my family life,” they said.

Another said the experience was “very user-friendly and transparent,” resulting in a “smooth and efficient” transfer. “I am now happily settled in my new position, a short walk from my house,’ he said.

Derek said the treatment of transfers from the city centre to suburban offices would be a significant issue in the Dublin-phase talks. He said there were also significant concerns in departments that were already experiencing significant levels of staff churn.

“The scheme is hugely important to members as it provides improved opportunities for transfers for commuting and career reasons,” he said.