The number of staff in the aid division of the Department of Foreign Affairs willing to transfer to Limerick has fallen since December, but a spokesman for Minister Dermot Ahern insisted the move would still go ahead.
He was responding to a statement from Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen on the proposed decentralisation of Development Co-operation Ireland.
"The decentralisation process has now slipped into reverse. The number of staff from within DCI volunteering to move, from a total staff of 123, has dropped from 28 to 24," Mr Allen said.
These figures take account of six specialist staff who have withdrawn their applications since December.
Pointing out that none of the highest-ranking development specialists were now offering to move, the Fine Gael foreign affairs spokesman added: "The specialist staff working in DCI have built-up a level of expertise and knowledge in their handling of aid programmes which cannot simply be replaced overnight."
Mr Ahern's spokesman said: "Work on the DCI decentralisation is pressing ahead. With regard to staffing needs, the Minister has made it clear that DCI will be operational from Limerick in due course.
"This is yet another statement on this issue from Deputy Allen who appears to be of the view that DCI decentralisation to Limerick is not a good idea.
"The Minister has made it clear that there are a number of people who wish to transfer to Limerick and, from the point of view of the balanced strategic and regional development of Ireland, this decentralisation will be very beneficial."