Vol. 520 No. 1
174 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if he has made any decisions regarding the decentralisation of Government offices to any of the main towns in County Monaghan given that Monaghan has suffered from lack of decentralisation in the past; whether the case for Monaghan is more than justified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15212/00]
175 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is in receipt of a submission from Carlow County Council requesting consideration for inclusion in the proposed decentralisation plans; when the plans will be finalised; and when the announcement will be made. [15236/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
I am actively engaged in a process of consultation with my Government colleagues in relation to a new programme of decentralisation and I intend that the Government will be in a position to take decisions relating to the new programme by the end of July. I am conscious of the very many cases being made for inclusion in the new programme, not least that of Monaghan, and the Deputy can be assured that all will be taken into account in the context of the Government's deliberations.
In relation to Carlow, I received, last week, from the county manager a copy of a report entitled The Potential for Decentralisation of a Government Department/State Agency to Carlow Town. I am currently considering this submission along with the many others received from centres throughout the country.
