No one can convince me that prosperous places such as Wexford, Kilkenny or Castlebar need another Government Department. However, I could highlight many places in the midlands that desperately a Government Department. Central to any decision about a new programme of decentralisation is the necessity to ensure the efficient delivery of public services is in no way compromised. It is worth noting that the new programme will be announced and implemented against the background of the new social partnership programme – Sustaining Progress.