Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 4

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

74 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to decentralise a Government service to Bray, County Wicklow, in view of the fact that the county has not benefited from any decentralisation in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24635/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

As indicated in the reviewed An Action Programme for the Millennium, the Government remains committed to a policy of balanced regional development and has set as a key priority the channelling of public sector jobs into provincial areas.

The current decentralisation programme is expected to be concluded within the next 18 months. I am actively considering all the options regarding a further programme and I intend to discuss the matter with my colleagues in Government shortly. While no decisions have been taken with regard to those locations which might feature in any such further programme, I note the case made for the inclusion of Bray in any future programme.