Michael Ring
Question:145 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will relocate a Government Department to a town (details supplied) in County Mayo as part of the decentralisation plan. [6902/00]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:150 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether Bandon, County Cork, is a suitable location for a decentralised Government office; and if he will ensure that it is given full consideration. [6604/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 150 together.
I have recently initiated a process of consultation with my Government colleagues with a view to taking decisions on a significant programme of decentralisation by the summer. I do not anticipate that any decisions on the new programme in relation either to the Departments or offices which will be part of the programme or to the centres to which they will be relocated will be taken before the conclusion of this consultative process. In advance of the conclusion of this process it would be premature of me to comment on the suitability or likelihood of any particular location for inclusion in the forthcoming programme.
Seymour Crawford
Question:146 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider any or all of the towns in County Monaghan to be bases for some of the decentralisation programme which his Government has promised given that Border counties suffered more than most as a result of the years of violence in Northern Ireland and failed to get significant major inward investment as a result and are therefore justified in seeking their fair share of a decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6950/00]
I have recently initiated a process of consultation with my Government colleagues with a view to taking decisions on a significant programme of decentra lisation by the summer. As part of this consultative process consideration will be given to assessing the merits of all parts of the country for the location of a decentralised Department or office. I assure the Deputy, in this regard, that full consideration will be given to the inclusion of County Monaghan for the relocation of a decentralised office. Pending the conclusion of this process, however, it would be premature of me to comment on the likelihood of any particular location being included in the forthcoming programme.