Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We are making progress on the agencies in terms of the issues identified. Under the timelines of 2008 and 2009, FÁS will have a significant presence in Offaly, Enterprise Ireland will have a significant presence in Shannon and likewise with the Health and Safety Authority in Thomastown. There have been some difficulties with specialist posts in the NSAI that require further resolution.

While there have been delays in progressing the programme, our commitment to decentralisation is total. We want it to happen and are anxious that it does so because of the benefit it will bring to the regions concerned. We hope this policy has support across the House.

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