Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I notice that people interpret speeches differently. I referred to many of the towns included as gateways and hubs, and I referred to three towns. The decision will not be made by me but by the Cabinet. There is a very strong Government commitment to decentralisation, and a similar commitment by Senators. It is a very sensible project for the Government. When the decision is made, the area will then be my responsibility in terms of when and to where the moves will be made. I will be responsible for providing the facilities, locations, buildings and sites.

Boyle has offered a site, and other towns already have suitable buildings. The Tánaiste recently visited Birr – it is mere coincidence that I happen to live beside Birr – to open a state-of-the-art technology centre there which is empty. The people of Birr made a strong plea to the Tánaiste to accept that the town would be an ideal location for a decentralisation move. There is much support for the move in the town.

While I cannot say when a decision on the decentralisation programme will be made, I understand it will be taken soon. Coming from a rural area, it is an issue to which I am committed. Decentralisation will give a boost to balanced regional development. While it will not be the answer to all the economic problems of rural areas, it will present an opportunity for the Government to put its money where its mouth is on the issue. We will be pushing the process along and I look forward to a decision being taken by the Cabinet soon and its speedy implementation.

It is important to point out to the House that decentralisation cannot happen overnight when one considers the need to acquire sites, etc. It will occur over a long period. One Member mentioned 25 towns as a more realistic figure, yet there are 110 hoping to have offices of Departments relocated. Some will be disappointed. A decentralised unit should have 200 individuals; anything less would be insufficient. The suggestion of "clustering" relocated departmental offices will be taken on board, as it has worked well.

With regard to the attractiveness for civil servants, no civil servant will want to jeopardise his or her opportunities to move up the scale. If one has a cluster of 200 people and 600 in a ten to 15 mile radius, it will give an opportunity for the people concerned to move up the Civil Service scale.

I appreciate the contributions made by Senators and note a positive attitude to decentralisation. This will encourage the Cabinet to press ahead with the decision.