Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The best research is the practical knowledge that has been gleaned, based on the sizeable number of Departments and agencies that have moved to various locations around the country, from Donegal to Kerry, over the years. From that knowledge it is known where the demand is. Even before the budget of 2004 people were applying for relocation and that base is known. Many people would be surprised at the numbers who have applied to the central applications facility, both Dublin-based people and those from other locations — maybe not from State agencies.

The knowledge existed and the criteria were based on that. This was how the locations were picked. The suitability of those locations equals the numbers in the agencies. That was how it was done. It is no more complex than that. Considerable thought was given to it and now the implementation group and the Cabinet sub-committee will drive it on for the future.

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