Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I agree with much that Senator Ryan said and, in particular, that there are two types of decentralisation, namely, decentralisation of the central office that simply operates from another part of the country and devolution of authority about matters such as housing or schools decisions up to a regional basis. I accept that, in respect of the second item, we are over-centralised.

Senator Ryan referred to Cork where he could have had the Environmental Protection Agency. It is my firm conviction that if An Foras Forbartha had not resisted in 1992, decentralisation to Cork would either still continue to this day or the EPA, as a successor body, would be located there. Perhaps I could send a message to any State agency which feels it is under threat that if it applies for decentralisation, it might well help secure its future.

I welcome this debate. The interest in and commitment to decentralisation on this side of the House are visible in the number of people there who have contributed and are sitting on the benches. I welcome the Minister of State's speech and the philosophy behind it, which is very positive. It is entirely in line with my thinking that decentralisation should be used as an economic torch to shine light into areas that have not prospered in recent years. The programme should focus on towns that have not benefited significantly from the recent boom and the fact that the gateways and hubs are not the primary areas for decentralisation.