asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the re-introduction of the decentralisation programme in view of the serious decline in the economies of the western regions from Donegal to Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
258.
The position is that the Government, in the light of the difficult economic situation, considered it necessary to cancel the decentralisation programme and this was announced in the context of the 1983 budget. It was estimated at that time that the overall savings arising from that decision would be of the order of £40-£50 million. There are no plans for the reintroduction of the decentralisation programme either in whole or in part.