Michael Ring
Question:18 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his plans to decentralise his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8080/02]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
There are no plans to decentralise my Department at present. The Government has consistently stated that decisions in relation to decentralisation should be taken only after proper deliberation.
Given the importance of the issue to so many individuals and communities throughout the country as evidenced by the vast numbers of representations and submissions received by Departments, including my own, as well as the obvious significance to, and impact on, the staff concerned and the system of public administration generally, the Government has decided that no decisions will be taken before the general election.
I assure the Deputy that this approach in no way diminishes the Government's commitment to decentralisation, and the ongoing work being done by the Department of Finance through its committee on decentralisation will facilitate decisions being taken after the election on the basis of proper consideration of all the relevant factors.