Vol. 547 No. 1
383 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance the financial provision he has made in his depart mental Estimates for 2002 towards implementing the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1052/02]
408 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an application from Portarlington in respect of the programme for decentralisation of Government Departments to the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1661/02]
409 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an application from Laois County Council highlighting the need for decentralisation to Portlaoise, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on progress on this matter to date. [1662/02]
434 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance when he will make an announcement in relation to decentralisation submissions received in his Department; if the submission by Mullingar will be favourably considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2408/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 383, 408, 409 and 434 together.
As no decision has yet been taken in relation to a new programme of decentralisation, no specific provision has been made in the 2002 Estimates in respect of such a programme. The Government is continuing to consider the many and varied issues associated with a new programme and will, in that respect, have regard to the very many representations and submissions received, including those from or on behalf of Portarlington, Portlaoise and Mullingar. In view of the complex nature of the issues involved I am not in a position to say definitively when a Government decision on the matter can be expected.
