Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Ceisteanna (510)

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

627 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a survey of staff in his Department has been conducted to ascertain the number willing to take part in the Government decentralisation plans; if he will detail the results of any such survey and the number of staff who wish to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2240/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Government has set up a central implementation committee, chaired by Mr. Phil Flynn, which will prepare and submit an overall implementation plan by the end of March to the Cabinet sub-committee charged with overseeing the decentralisation programme. Until this implementation plan has been agreed, it would be premature to carry out a survey of staff in the Department. I am confident that the impact on the operations of my Department and any attendant risks will be minimal. Every effort will be made to ensure that the moves take place in a well-organised and structured manner so that there is a seamless transition between the operation of my Department in Dublin and in Killarney. To that end, a decentralisation committee has been established within my Department which will plan the programme in respect of this Department in liaison with the central committee. As Minister, I will be driving the implementation of the programme in the Department and reporting on a regular basis to the Cabinet sub-committee.