I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 203 together.
As I have said previously, the Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies. The process of reaching a decision on a major initiative such as a new programme of decentralisation involves careful consideration of a wide range of important issues. Among the considerations are the many submissions received by my Department on behalf of towns around the country, the concerns of departmental management, which wishes to maintain effective and efficient delivery of services, and staff concerns about their futures. The Government must also take account of the national spatial strategy. The deliberative process is ongoing. Given the wide range of considerations and the complexity of such a major initiative, I consider it appropriate for the Government to take its time over its deliberations before reaching a final decision on the matter. The Deputies will appreciate that until that final decision is reached, I am not in a position to say when the programme of decentralisation will commence or how long it will take to implement.