Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 6

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

69 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding Government proposals for decentralisation of up to 10,000 civil and public servants; when it is expected that the programme of decentralisation will commence; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4674/01]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

80 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance when decisions in relation to the decentralisation programme for Government and State offices will be announced. [4650/01]

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

83 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he will establish a commission comprising senior civil servants to determine the locations for decentralisation. [1905/01]

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

86 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants who are willing to volunteer for the decentralisation programme; the number in the various grades who are willing to volunteer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1184/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 80, 83 and 86 together.

Considerable progress has been made in developing proposals for a new programme of decentralisation and I have recently commenced discussions with my Government colleagues on the matter with a view to formalising proposals for submission to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Decentralisation and thereafter to the Government for consideration and approval. In view of the range of issues which need to be considered I anticipate that the Cabinet Sub-Committee and the Government will take some time to complete their work. While it will be necessary to develop an implementation plan in relation to the Government decision, I intend that implementation of the new programme will be progressed expeditiously.

Given the range of views which have been taken into account in developing proposals for a new programme, including those of the SMI Implementation Group, I do not intend to establish a commission of senior civil servants to determine locations for inclusion in the new programme.

While I am not aware of the specific level of interest in participation in a new programme of decentralisation and I am satisfied that the new programme will attract considerable interest throughout the civil and public service. I am both anxious and happy to take this opportunity to reiterate the voluntary nature of the new programme.