asked the Minister for the Public Service if the Government have arrived at a final decision in regard to the ten provincial centres where Government services will be relocated as outlined in the Taoiseach's Ard Fheis speech in the RDS on 16 February 1980, the Government services that are being considered and the different departments that are likely to be affected and the location of the proposed centres.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relocation of Government Services.
17.
Final decisions have not yet been taken by the Government in regard to the matters mentioned in the Deputy's question.
I take it that preliminary decisions have been taken? What are these preliminary decisions in regard to the Government services that will be relocated in the country?
They are awaiting the Contituencies Bill.
The ones that did not get Ministers of State will get them.
May I assure the Deputies that when the decisions finally come they will not be very happy with them. The position is that no final decision has been taken by the Government and therefore I am not in a position to give the Deputy the information he seeks.
Do I take it that the Government have done nothing about it up to now or what do I take from the answer?
I cannot advise the Deputy as to what he should take out of it. All I can say is that no final decisions have been made and until such time as a decision has been made by the Government I cannot give any further information.
Is the Minister in a position, even at this stage, to let the House know what portions of Departments will be moved, whether major portions or particular sections? I would like the House and the country to know how these arrangements will affect different Government Departments.
I cannot give the Deputy the information until such time as decisions are made by the Government.
Could the Minister give some information as to when this final decision is likely to be arrived at?
No. I would not even like to give an estimate of the time. When a decision is made the House will of course be notified.
Can I take it that the matter is completely indefinite at this stage?
It is not completely in definite. Will the Deputy just accept that I cannot give him any information?
(Interruptions.)
Order, please. Question No. 18.