Vol. 570 No. 4
100 Mr. M. Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance when the programme of decentralisation of Departments will begin; when the announcements of the towns to which Departments will be decentralised will be made; and if he will make a statement on the progress of the whole project in terms of the consultative and selection process. [19209/03]
The Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies. A wide range of important issues, including the national spatial strategy, must 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 managements concerned about the delivery of the public services for which they have 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. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt that decision by prematurely nominating a Department, office or location at this time.
