Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Decisions on the timing of further work on the implementation of the balance of the decentralisation programme are being deferred, pending the outcome of the 2011 review. That is a sensible and reasonable approach to adopt in light of recent budgetary developments. Some 22 of the 32 staff in my Department who applied to relocate have already been assigned to decentralised posts. It is obvious that the other ten officials are waiting to see if it will be possible for them to relocate.

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