Vol. 575 No. 3
142 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Finance the progress which has been made on the Government's decentralisation programme; if serious consideration can be given to the inclusion of Athy, County Kildare, in the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28061/03]
The Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies. A wide range of important issues, including the national spatial strategy, have to be considered before a final decision is taken on a new programme of decentralisation.
I am aware of the case made for Athy, County Kildare, and it will be given full consideration, together with the submissions received on behalf of many other towns in the State, as part of the deliberations leading to a decision on the matter. Until the Government reaches a decision on this matter, it would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt that decision by prematurely nominating any particular location.
