Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for decentralisation?

You can apply for decentralisation by going to the Central Applications Facility (CAF) on the website of the Public Appointments Service: www.publicjobs.ie or by ringing the CAF helpline on 1890 252 031. The Central Applications Facility is extremely busy and sometimes it is difficult to get through.  If you are experiencing difficulties getting through on the 1890 252 031 number please leave a voice message and one of the CAF operators will call you back.
Alternatively you can send an email directly to caf@publicjobs.ie

Am I eligible to apply for decentralisation?

If you are a staff member of one on the participating organisations you can apply. A full list of the participating organisations can be found at the following link: www.publicjobs.ie/en/caf/default.asp

Is the Central Applications Facility still taking applicants?

The Central Applications Facility remains open for applicants and will do so for the foreseeable future.

Where can I find the decentralisation implementation plans?

All decentralising organisations are responsible for their own implementation plans. You should contact the relevant Decentralisation Liaison Officer in the organisations you are interested to enquire about their plan. A list of Liaison officers can be found here

How do I know what jobs are available in Location X?

For information about all of the new locations in the Decentralisation Programme along with details of the number and type of post going to each location see http://www.publicjobs.ie/en/caf/org.asp

Is there any information available on schools/housing etc in Location X?

Every town involved in the Decentralisation Programme has an information page on the CAF. This page includes information on the organisation decentralising there, information on housing and education in the area, and the number of posts going to that location.

When will I be offered a post?

Every organisation is responsible for its own decentralisation. You should contact the Liaison Officer in the organisation you wish to decentralise with to get the most up to date information on any timescale for offers.

Has Organisation X purchased/built a building in Location X yet?

Every organisation is responsible for its own decentralisation. You should contact the Liaison Officer in the organisation you wish to decentralise with to get the most up to date information on their property situation.

I own a house in Dublin and it will be expensive to sell it and buy another one, will I get expenses?

The Decentralisation Programme will be implemented on a voluntary basis. The payment of removal or relocation expenses will not arise.

Do I have to accept the offer of a transfer straightaway?

When you receive a formal offer of transfer to a decentralising post you will have 5 working days to accept or reject it.

Can I refuse an offer?

If you refuse a formal offer for a location you will not receive any further offers for that location.

If I accept a location do I have to stay there?

If you accept a formal offer of a transfer to a decentralising post you will be accepting the condition that you must remain in the decentralised location for 3 years if you are in the AP or an equivalent grade or above, or 2 years if you are a HEO or an equivalent grades or below.

I am an Administrative Officer, Can I apply for a Higher Executive Officer post?

Yes. For the purposes of the Decentralisation Programme the grades of AO and HEO are interchangeable.

I work as a specialist grade in organisation X. My grade is not on the drop down menu.Does that mean that I cannot apply?

If the organisation you are currently employed by is on the list of participating organisations on www.publicjobs.ie/en/caf/default.asp you can apply. However, your specialist grade may not exist in the organisation to which you want to go. Discussions between Management and the Staff Side are ongoing to resolve this situation.

Changes to Pre-7 September 2004 Applications Can I change my application for decentralisation?

You can make changes to your application for decentralisation at any time. However, if your application is a priority application (i.e an application which was made before 7 September 2004) and the location is oversubscribed at your grade, you should note the response to the next question.

If my application for decentralisation is a priority application, can I make changes to it and if I do will it affect my applications priority status?

Your application will lose its priority status if you make a change to either 1. your grade and/or 2. the location(s) you selected prior to 7 September 2004 including your order of preference. Following a change to either of these fields, your application will be treated in order of the date on which you made the change.

Changes to any of the other sections of your application will not change the priority status of your application. These sections are as follows: 1. Work address 2. Question on whether you are currently in an IT Role 3. Question on proficiency in Irish 4. Question on status of employment 5. All questions relating to contracts 6. All questions on work-sharing 7. All questions relating to a partner.

If I have a priority application and I mistakenly enter the wrong grade when I made the application, what should I do?

If you have entered the wrong grade on your application form, your personnel section should have informed the Public Appointments Service (PAS) who will contact you in due course.

Can I withdraw my application/expression of interest?

For instructions on how to withdraw your CAF application please click on the following link: http://www.publicjobs.ie/en/caf/withdraw.asp