Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 2

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

37 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding Government proposals for decentralisation of up to 10,000 civil and public servants; when it is expected that the programme of decentralisation will commence; when it is expected to be completed; if the Government has plans to accelerate the programme of decentralisation having regard to new projections from the CSO indicating a huge growth in the population of the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19054/01]

Austin Deasy

Question:

51 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if the projection in the CSO report on the population will be taken into consideration for the programme for decentralisation which indicates major shifts in population in specific areas and an increase of 56% in the greater Dublin area. [19062/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 51 together.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Decentralisation has been considering the many issues relating to a new programme of decentralisation and it remains my intention that the Government will be in a position to take decisions in relation to the new programme within the next couple of months.

Both I and the Government are very conscious of the recent CSO report on regional population projections and I note with particular interest the projected growth in the Dublin region and I have little doubt but that it will form part of our deliberations.