Vol. 573 No. 5
24 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the Government's proposed decentralisation programme; when the programme will begin; the proposed timeframe for the completion of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/03]
The Government remains firmly committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies. As I have said on many occasions, the process of reaching a decision on such a major initiative requires careful consideration of a wide range of important issues. This deliberative process is ongoing and I am not able to state at this time when the Government will be in a position to take a final decision on the matter. The Deputy will appreciate that pending such a decision, I am not in a position to say when the decentralisation programme will start or how long it will take to implement. However, the Deputy may be assured that the submissions and representations which have been made will be taken into account as part of the deliberative process.
