Michael Ring
Question:171 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance when he will give effect to the 2000 Budget Statement concerning decentralisation. [8771/03]
Written Answers - Decentralisatin Programme.
The Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies and this commitment was reiterated in An Agreed Programme for Government. As I said previously, a wide range of important issues, including the national spatial strategy, must be considered before a final decision is taken on this matter. It is vital that all involved are consulted, whether they are staff concerned about their futures or departmental managements concerned about the delivery of the public services for which they have responsibility. Given these wide-ranging considerations, it is not possible for me to state at this time when the Government will be in a position to take a decision on the issue of decentralisation.