Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 1

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he will encourage decentralisation in the Revenue Commissioners; if it is intended to locate part of the services in various counties outside Dublin thereby providing a more convenient service for the consumer and alleviating traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25585/02]

John Bruton

Question:

89 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the preparations he is making in concert with the national spatial strategy to identify the locations to which Government services will be decentralised. [25625/02]

Willie Penrose

Question:

102 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the proposals the Government has for decentralisation, following the publication of the national spatial strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25549/02]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

119 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to make a decision on the decentralisation of Government offices in the near future; if the ISDN proposal which includes a joint application from Listowel, Kilrush and Newcastle West will be successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25363/02]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

131 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the process of decentralisation of Government services will be developed in view of the spatial strategy report. [25593/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 89, 102, 119 and 131 together.

The future programme of decentralisation of Government offices and agencies will be developed in the context of the national spatial strategy. An Agreed Programme for Government confirms the commitment of this Government in that regard. In addition to the national spatial strategy, there are, of course, other important issues which will impact on the success of a new decentralisation programme. All of these issues form part of a deliberative process. This process, as Deputies will appreciate, must comprehend such things as the many representations I have received on behalf of some 120 population centres, consultation with staff interests and departmental managements, and the over-riding need to ensure that the programme can be managed in a manner which does not adversely impact on the delivery of the essential public services concerned.

Until such time as that deliberative process has been completed, the selection of specific locations and-or Government offices for inclusion in the decentralisation programme cannot occur. Deputies will, therefore, appreciate that I am unable to comment on individual proposals or advise which Government Departments may be considered for decentralisation. All I can say at this stage is that Deputies may be assured that the many submissions and representations regarding decentralisation which have been made will be taken into account as part of the deliberative process.