Seymour Crawford
Question:38 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence if he has additional decentralisation plans for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30623/01]
Other Questions. - Decentralisation Programme.
The Deputy will be aware that, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, the Government decided to decentralise the Civil Defence branch of my Department to Roscrea, County Tipperary. It was also decided that two sections of Defence Forces headquarters – the directorate of training and the directorate of reserve forces – will be relocated from Dublin to Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary. There are currently no additional decentralisation plans for my Department.
I thank the Minister for his reply. On this side of the House there is general acceptance that the decisions to decentralise the Civil Defence to Roscrea and the training branch to Clonmel were not the wisest. The Minister has stated he has no plans for further decentralisation, but are there any preparations or anything in mind? May we take it that the issue of decentralisation in respect of the Department of Defence is closed?
I do not wish to be hard on the Deputy, but his party has been hard on me on account of my decision to decentralise to County Tipperary. I take it the condemnation of the decision is unanimous and that I can inform the Deputy's colleagues from County Tipperary that they oppose it strenuously.
I did not say we are against decentralisation. We do not agree with moving the Civil Defence. Only one person wants to move.
The question of further decentralisation is clearly a matter for Government. The Government is determined to continue with major decentralisation plans, but the Deputy will have to await an announcement. I do not have further plans.