Brian O'Shea
Question:43 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has to decentralise part of his Department to the Waterford constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19171/00]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
One of the key priorities of An Action Programme for the Millennium is that centrally organised State services will be decentralised to ensure that each region gets its fair share of national expenditure on Government administration. The question of offices appropriate for consideration in the context of the decentralisation programme is a matter to be decided by the Government. Pending the outcome of discussions at Cabinet level the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to give details of offices which may be decentralised. It would be inappropriate at this point to pre-empt the outcome of any discussions on the matter by the Government.
I am, however, aware of the interest expressed by many organisations and representatives in towns and cities around the country in being considered as potential locations for decentralised Government offices. However, in assessing the suitability of any particular office for relocation it is envisaged that the selection process will require careful consideration to ensure that the decentralisation strategy has optimum effect.
My Department has over the years pursued a policy of relocation. The finance division transferred to Killarney in 1989 and in 1997 part of the Land Registry decentralised to Waterford. Both transfers have been very successful.