Vol. 519 No. 5
154 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance the current position in relation to the decentralisation programme; his views on the suitability of regions such as Inishowen, County Donegal for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14428/00]
I am engaged in a series of meetings with my ministerial colleagues after which I intend to bring proposals before the Government for a new and extensive programme of decentralisation with a view to the Government taking decisions on the new programme within the next couple of months. The Government's deliberations will naturally include consideration of the centres to which Government Departments-offices-agencies are to be relocated. Until such time as the Government has fully considered all of the issues relating to the new programme it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the suitability of any particular centre or the likelihood of any such centre featuring in the programme. I am aware however of the case made for the inclusion of the Inishowen region in the new programme and the Deputy can be assured that this case will be fully considered as part of the Government's deliberations.
