Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Tony Killeen

Question:

195 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has undertaken a formal or informal assessment of the number of civil service employees, at various grades, interested in transferring to decentralised offices in Kilrush, Listowel and Newcastle West; if the joint proposal from these towns has been considered by his Department and by the Cabinet sub-committee; when the programme of decentralisation will be agreed; and when it will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16054/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

While no assessment of the numbers of staff interested in transferring to any particular location has been undertaken by my Department in the context of a new programme of decentralisation, I am confident that there will be considerable interest among Dublin-based staff in relocating to various provincial centres. I am well aware of the joint application made on behalf of Kilrush, Listowel and Newcastle West and I can assure the Deputy that full account will be taken of it in the context of the deliberations of the Cabinet Sub-Commit tee on Decentralisation and thereafter of the Government. While I am not in a position to be specific as to when a Government decision will be made, it is my intention that such a decision will be taken within the next couple of months.