Brendan Smith
Question:28 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will have County Cavan considered as a location for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22717/99]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
As indicated in the reviewed An Action Programme for the Millennium the Government remains committed to a policy of balanced regional development and has set as a key priority the channelling of public sector jobs into provincial areas.
There is a decentralisation programme in place at present. I am actively considering the options with regard to a further programme and I intend to discuss the matter with my colleagues in Government shortly. In the meantime no decisions have been taken with regard to those locations which might feature in any further programme. While I have noted the case made for the inclusion of County Cavan in any future programme, I would point out that approximately 115 staff of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development have already decentralised to Cavan town.