Denis Naughten
Question:362 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 8 May 2003, the progress to date on decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20207/03]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
As I have said previously, the Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies. The process of reaching a decision on a major initiative such as a new programme of decentralisation involves careful consideration of a wide range of important issues. Among those considerations are the many submissions received by my Department on behalf of towns around the country, the concerns of Department management for the maintenance of effective and efficient delivery of services, and the concerns of the staff for their futures. The Government must also take account of developments set out in the national spatial strategy.
The deliberative process is ongoing and given the wide range of considerations and the complexity of such a major initiative, I consider that it is most appropriate for the Government to take its time over its deliberations before reaching a final decision on the matter.
Question No. 363 answered with Question No. 359.