John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls for a debate on decentralisation. We seem to have forgotten how important it was to prevent bottlenecks in Dublin, which would have hampered growth. Too much development in a particular area causes serious problems and works against the development of the nation. Decentralisation has provided opportunities for growth and development to communities throughout the country, including my home town. We are pleased that Garda headquarters was moved to our area. I commend the Minister on his choice of town. We should promote decentralisation, which was called for by the Opposition for years.