Jim O'Keeffe
Question:43 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, he has to decentralise any portion of his Department; and his views on decentralisation. [26663/99]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced the Government's intention to proceed with a new programme of decentralisation on 1 December 1999. As yet no decisions have been taken on which Government Departments/offices will feature in the programme nor on the centres in which they will be relocated. I envisage that decisions on these matters will be taken by the Government. I intend to request all Ministers to examine their Departments and the offices under their aegis with a view to identifying for decentralisation almost complete Departments and other public bodies. Until the Government decides on these issues, I cannot comment on the likelihood of any particular Department-office, including the Department of Finance, being decentralised.