John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the announcement made by the Minister of State with regard to the Curragh and Defence Forces headquarters. It is my contention since I entered public life that Defence Forces headquarters should be in the Curragh. It did not make sense to me that many people travelled from Kildare to Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin when most of the activity was in the Curragh. It makes sense also to locate the Department of Defence close to the Curragh. I am pleased it is coming to Newbridge. Kildare would also have been suitable and I noted what was said regarding the barracks and the land there.

Senator Maurice Hayes made a good point regarding critical mass. The location of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces headquarters, etc, within a reasonably close geographical area creates this critical mass. The same could apply in other situations.

With regard to the selection of towns, one of the reasons Athy was selected was to do with the quality of its application and the presentation made by the Athy development and investment forum. It is pleasing — the same has happened around the country — that politicians from all political parties united in their support for the Athy proposal. This included those from other towns that had made applications. The situation has not been particularly politicised.

For political reasons much scaremongering has taken place in Dublin to try to scare public servants into thinking a scenario of doom faces them. I repeat the point that only 10,300 out of 300,000 public servants are being asked to move. This is a small number of people and I am confident there are enough people who want to get out of the rat race which is Dublin and move to more pleasant places around the country in which to live, rear their families and participate in community. Many of these people came from those places. It is because we faced high unemployment levels at the time that they had no choice but to move to Dublin. Now, however, people have a choice.

I was impressed by what Senator Mansergh said on the subject of infrastructure and the spatial strategy. This was supported by Senator O'Meara. Exceptions can always be found but the plan has coherence and is working well. Major policy decisions of national importance must be made by senior civil servants in consultation with their political masters. This is probably best done in Dublin or in some central area. This does not mean that the administration of a Department cannot be devolved to other areas. Within all Departments many activities could be done as well in New York as in Kiltimagh, Ballinasloe, Longford or wherever.