Brian O'Shea
Question:147 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals for a programme to decentralise Government Departments and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10902/03]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
The Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies taking into account the national spatial strategy. As I have previously said on many occasions, there is a wide range of important issues that must be taken into consideration and it is vital that all involved are consulted, be they 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.