Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

——I disagree.

On the decentralisation programme, the Deputy is right. There are delays and have been difficulties regarding State and other agencies, including FÁS and particularly those with a large number of technical staff. The programme has not progressed in the manner originally expected but that is not my job or something I can amend. The Office of Public Works is responsible for the purchase of properties under any decentralisation programme. It is not up to me to be in Carrick-on-Shannon to negotiate property transactions or look for suitable sites. That is best left to the expert on a joined-up government basis — the OPW.

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