John Deasy
Ceist:236 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he will decentralise a whole department to Waterford city and the outlying towns of the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8192/03]
Written Answers - Decentralisation Programme.
As I have said previously, a wide range of important issues, including the national spatial strategy, have to be considered before a final decision is taken on a new programme of decentralisation. It is vital that all involved are consulted, be they staff concerned about their futures or departmental management concerned about the delivery of the public services for which it has responsibility. Given the wide range of considerations, it is not possible for me to state, at this time, when the Government will be in a position to take a decision on this matter.
The Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies and all of the submissions and representations which have been received by my Department, including those received on behalf of Waterford city and County Waterford, will be taken into account as part of the deliberative process.