Bernard J. Durkan
Question:269 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress in the implementation of his Department’s decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10882/04]
View answerTuesday, 6 April 2004
Questions (182)
Written answers
Following the announcement in the 2004 budget of the decentralisation programme, a decentralisation committee was established within my Department which is currently planning the decentralisation programme in respect of the Department in liaison with the central implementation committee set up under the Department of Finance. The three agencies, Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and the Irish Sports Council, also due to decentralise, are represented on this committee.
My Department's committee, which is headed by an assistant secretary, has met on several occasions and has issued a circular letter to staff of the Department in order to keep staff fully briefed on developments. An officer from my Department also attends the decentralisation liaison committee chaired by a principal officer from the Department of Finance. As Minister, I am driving the implementation of the programme in the Department and reporting on a regular basis to the Cabinet sub-committee.
My Department is in close contact with the Office of Public Works in regard to the issue of securing suitable accommodation for the Department and the Sports Council in Killarney, for Fáilte Ireland in Mallow and for the Arts Council in Kilkenny. I understand that a shortlist of sites and buildings has been drawn up. Further meetings are planned between officials of the OPW, my Department and of representatives of the three agencies.
My Department has also sought up-to-date information from the local authorities in the three locations in order to prepare information packs on the locations for staff who express an interest in moving to these locations. Furthermore, the Secretary General of my Department met with the manager and town clerk for Killarney on a recent visit there. The decentralisation committee also plans a visit to the location.
I understand that the central implementation committee, chaired by Mr. Phil Flynn, which was charged with preparing and submitting an overall implementation plan by the end of March to the Cabinet sub-committee has met its deadline. The plan will influence and inform my Department's preparations for decentralisation and will give some information in regard to timelines, etc.
Question No. 270 answered with QuestionNo. 157.
Question No. 271 answered with QuestionNo. 159.
Question No. 272 answered with QuestionNo. 142.
Question No. 273 answered with QuestionNo. 155.