Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to decentralisation, the policy remains the same. It is a voluntary programme. The decentralisation implementation group has published at least five reports since the original budget announcement which confirm that because of industrial relations issues and the consultations which much take place, the target of three years was not attainable or possible. We moved from this position long ago. Decentralisation implementation group reports which are at least three years old confirm this and coming forward with this idea at this stage suggests Deputy Kenny is trying to regurgitate something. We have passed this point long ago.

The policy still includes State agencies. Deputy Kenny mentioned "voluntary willingness". I am not aware of a concept of "involuntary willingness". They will move according to the principles set out in the programme as has always been the case. As I mentioned to Deputy Gilmore, and in replies to previous questions on this matter, industrial relations issues require us to engage. I met with various trade union leaders on this matter to confirm to them we want to move forward by engaging. In fairness to those who wish to move as well as those who indicated they do not wish to move, we must have engagement. We have passed the point where an issue had to be resolved within the industrial relations process. It has been clarified and the Government accepts it. This is the position with regard to this aspect of the programme.

As Deputy Kenny stated, the programme cannot move ahead without the willingness and co-operation of everybody. It is far better to scope the issue and deal with all of these outstanding questions to establish as to what extent the programme can be implemented taking into account business efficacy and everything else on the basis of engagement rather than non-engagement. This is my simple point. No one will be forced to go anywhere. Surely, everyone in the House will agree that engagement should take place to establish how to proceed. In fairness to those who wish to move, this remains our position. I have answered the other parts of the question.

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