Vol. 572 No. 5
78 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance when he will be in a position to announce final details of locations under the Government's decentralisation programme; if an application from Newcastle West, Listowel and Kilrush will be approved under this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23674/03]
The Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies. 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 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 take a decision on this matter. Until that decision is reached I am not in position to state which locations will be included or excluded from the programme. However, all of the submissions and representations received by my Department, including those on behalf of Newcastle West, Listowel and Kilrush, will be given consideration as part of the deliberative process.
