asked the Taoiseach whether, in order to secure economy and more efficiency in administration and to obviate delays, the Government will consider the advisability of decentralising such Departments as Local Government, Industry and Commerce and Agriculture.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decentralisation of Departments.
I would direct the Deputy's attention to the reply of the then Taoiseach to a question in almost identical terms which was addressed to him on the 30th March, 1950.
As was pointed out in the course of that reply, the decentralisation of Government administration gives rise to serious practical difficulties and it is doubtful whether it would, in fact, tend to improve efficiency and obviate delays.
In my reply to a question on the same subject which was addressed to me on the 6th June last, I gave as my view that the only hope of effective action lies in aiming at the location in the provinces, as opportunities present themselves from time to time, of subordinate sections of Departments— particularly in the case of a new Department—or of any new statutory bodies that may be set up.
Would the Taoiseach state if all this talk about economy and decentralisation which we hear is just a myth?
That is a separate matter.
I did not hear talk of economy being effected by decentralisation.
The word "economy" is used in my question.
Misused, I think.
Surely the Taoiseach knows well that the civil servants will not have it? That is what it amounts to.
Did the Deputy try?