I have appointed a decentralisation implementation committee to drive forward the implementation of the programme. The committee, which is chaired by Phil Flynn, will prepare an implementation plan and will report back to Government by the end of March 2004. Subject to approval by the Government, work will then start on advancing the programme in accordance with the proposals in the implementation plan. In tandem with this, consultations with unions representing all the staff involved will continue.
The decentralisation programme is on a voluntary basis and therefore it is envisaged that there will be no disturbance or relocation expenses paid to staff who volunteer to relocate.