Vol. 567 No. 6
55 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the Government's proposed decentralisation programme; when the programme will begin; if the programme could take between seven and ten years to complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14640/03]
116 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if the ISDN proposal involving Listowel, Kilrush and Newcastle West has now been approved by Government for the decentralisation of a Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14558/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 116 together.
As I have said in answer to the earlier priority question, the Government is committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies and this commitment was reiterated in An Agreed Programme for Government. A wide range of important issues, including the national spatial strategy as well as all the submissions and representations which have been received by my Department, will be considered in the process of reaching a Government decision on the matter. 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.
I wish to assure Deputy Deenihan that I am well aware of the case made for Listowel, Kilrush and Newcastle West and it will be given full consideration as part of the deliberative process.
Deputy Penrose will appreciate, as I have already stated, that until the Government reach a decision on decentralisation, I am not in a position to say when the programme will begin or to state how long it will take to complete.
