asked the Minister for the Public Service if the location of eight public service offices has yet been decided; and if Kilkenny city has been chosen as a location for one of these offices.
32.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Service Offices.
31.
asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will establish one of the eight public service offices which are proposed for location in the provinces in Kilkenny city.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
An examination is at present being made of the arrangements necessary for the transfer of sections of Government Departments from Dublin under the Government's programme for the decentralisation of Government offices, as announced in the White Paper Programme for National Development 1978-1981.
Steps are being taken, in consultation with Departments, to draw up lists of sections which it would be feasible to decentralise and lists of places in which such sections could appropriately be relocated. Decisions on both these matters will be taken by the Government.
While it is not possible to anticipate the Government's decisions, I can assure the Deputy that the claim of Kilkenny will be borne in mind.