Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Decentralisation was introduced then as a cost saving measure — as an economy — because costs were less down the country.

I wish to deal with this nonsense about the national spatial strategy and decentralisation. I have said before, but it clearly needs to be repeated, that this was a very clear commitment given. It is a promise being delivered from the last election. The Fianna Fáil manifesto stated that it would complete and implement the national spatial strategy aimed at building up the strength of all regions. It further stated that it would continue its commitment to the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies and that it recognised the particular importance of this programme to well-placed and substantial towns that do not have a lot of industrial employment.