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Decentralisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (167)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

224 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress being made with plans for decentralisation to Kilkenny city; if he has identified suitable properties at both locations; if he is close to selecting the property solution; the locations of same [28089/04]

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Freagraí scríofa

The Arts Council, one of the State agencies under the aegis of my Department, is designated for transfer to Kilkenny under the Government's programme of decentralisation. I met the chairperson and the chief executive of the Arts Council in January this year to emphasise the Government's commitment to the process and to underline my firm resolve that the move to Kilkenny should take place as soon as possible. The Arts Council, at my request, nominated a representative to my Department's decentralisation committee.

In early June 2004, a decentralisation implementation plan was prepared by and in respect of the Arts Council and submitted to the decentralisation implementation group, chaired by Mr. Phil Flynn.

There are currently 45 members of staff employed in the Arts Council and a total of 29 applications for transfer to Kilkenny have so far been received under the Central Application Facility.

The Office of Public Works is assessing a number of options regarding suitable locations and properties in Kilkenny for the Arts Council. However, a decision has not been made at this time on any particular property.

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