asked the Taoiseach whether, in view of the continued alarming growth of the City of Dublin with its consequent ill-effects on the social and economic structure of the country, and of the fact that this growth is contributing to the depopulation of rural areas, he will consider setting up a Cabinet committee to ascertain what steps can be taken to decentralise industry and the administration of government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decentralisation.
The Government fully appreciate the ill effects on the social and economic structure of the country that would follow the excessive growth of the City of Dublin, and this is a consideration that is constantly borne in mind in the framing of the Government's social and economic measures.
The question of the decentralisation of industry is always given prominence by the Minister for Industry and Commerce in connection with proposals for the establishment of new industries. His powers in this regard are, however, very limited, and the Deputy will appreciate that persons desiring to establish an industry cannot, in practice, be obliged to do so in a locality which they consider unsuitable. This whole matter will, however, engage the attention of the Industrial Development Authority.
The decentralisation of Government administration is also a matter in regard to which serious practical difficulties arise. At this stage, I can only say that the object which the Deputy has in mind is one in which the Government are in sympathy, and that, as the occasion occurs, the question of taking practical steps will be considered.
Would the Taoiseach say whether any consideration has been given to the suggestion previously made here, namely, that certain sections of the Department of Agriculture, for instance, could be centred in Athlone?
There has not been any reference to that particular question of putting a particular section of a Department into Athlone. It is not quite as simple as the Deputy says by merely making a statement which sounds very nice as a matter of theory. In practice, it is very difficult.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he is aware that the transfer of industries and of Government offices from Dublin would lead to grave hardship and unemployment?
That is one of the matters I had in mind when I said that, as a matter of practice, it would be very difficult. There are also numerous others, which will occur to the Deputy.
Would the Taoiseach consider transferring the Commission on Emigration down to Kerry?
Would the Deputy consider transferring himself back to Cork?