Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

Perhaps. The Minister, Deputy McDowell, would no doubt be concerned about such a figure if that were the case, and I think it is not.

Previously, there was a lot of difficulty moving people, and we know of some outrageous circumstances where people were moved to new premises only 100 metres away and sought compensation for such a move. It is generally accepted now that there is a very substantial number of civil servants based in Dublin who would wish to move to a decentralised location for all the reasons outlined in this House today in terms of quality of life. The arguments in favour of moving are very good.

Senators Brendan Ryan and Martin Mansergh referred to the criteria that might be laid down. I do not think there are any criteria, other than that everything should be taken into account. Templemore, a very successful location for training the Garda, was mentioned, and if someone were to draft criteria now, I doubt if Templemore would qualify. Portumna and Ballyconnell are two places where very successful hotels have been established by local entrepreneurs.

In terms of making decisions about decentralisation, the Government will consider all aspects, and nowhere has yet been ruled in or out. Some people on the Opposition benches in this House—