The Labour Party has asked the Minister for Finance for details of the full estimated cost of the decentralisation plan for the civil service announced in last week's Budget.
Labour's environment and local government spokesman, Mr Eamon Gilmore, said this evening that many questions remained unanswered on the plan.
"As the week progressed, it became even more apparent that the Government decision on decentralisation was purely political. It was made without the advice of civil servants and purely to provide cover for an ill-thought out and bad budget.
"Any major decision, if it is to be taken seriously, must be based on a number of considerations," Mr Gilmore said.
He has tabled a Dail question for this week seeking clarification on a number of issues.
"I have asked the minister to explain what preparation work has been done on decentralisation. I will be seeking information on how many staff will be transferred and on what kind of accommodation is being sought. The Minister has to explain if accommodation has been earmarked, when and if it will become available? The Minister also needs to provide the House with an estimated cost of the decentralisation policy."
Eight government departments and the Office of Public Works are to move out of Dublin under the plan. However, dissent has been growing in recent days with senior civil servants voicing the view that the plan is unworkable within the three-year timeframe set out by Mr McCreevy. Other senior staff, while remaining unnamed, have insisted they will not make the move.
The Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU) said today that the plan would cost a lot of money and that relocation payments would have to be discussed with the Government. Mr McCreevy continues to insist that no such payments are on the table and that any benchmarking payments made to civil servants must compensate them for any required move.