Vol. 568 No. 2
141 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the programme to decentralise Departments which was announced in 1999; the progress to date; the number of public servants who will be affected; the regional locations proposed; and if Bandon will be included among the latter. [16089/03]
As I have said on many occasions, a wide range of important issues must be considered in the process of reaching a Government decision on decentralisation. That decision has not yet been taken and before it is taken it is vital that all concerned are fully consulted, be they staff concerned about their futures or departmental management concerned about the delivery of public services.
While the deliberative process is ongoing it would be premature and inappropriate to identify a particular location, or a Department or office, or a section within a Department or office, or numbers of staff which might be selected for inclusion in the new programme of decentralisation.
I am aware of the case made for Bandon and it will be given full consideration, together with all other submissions received on behalf of towns around the country as part of the deliberative process.
