Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise the matter of decentralisation on the Adjournment. I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, for coming to the House to respond to my question or plea, whichever way he wishes to put it. On many occasions the House has debated the Government's planned programme of decentralisation and the Minister of State knows that every Member of this House, regardless of party, supports the concept and practice of decentralisation.

Great satisfaction was expressed throughout the country in December 2003 when the then Minister for Finance, Mr. McCreevy, announced a widespread programme of decentralisation. In the north County Cork area, the communities in the towns of Mallow and Mitchelstown were exceptionally pleased to have been selected for decentralisation. Over many years, both the towns in question had made submissions outlining their cases for decentralisation. It was a source of great satisfaction, optimism and anticipation for the communities in both towns when it was announced almost 18 months ago that a section of Bus Éireann was to transfer to Mitchelstown and a section of Fáilte Ireland was to transfer to Mallow. It is now the spring of 2005 and people in those communities are becoming anxious about the apparent lack of progress. Given that we have debated this matter on numerous previous occasions, the Minister of State will be aware of the major doubts about Bus Éireann coming to Mitchelstown. Following confusion over the number of jobs promised, the initial response from the staff of Bus Éireann was negative and it was felt that it would not be possible to find a realistic number willing to move from Dublin to Mitchelstown. Similarly, in the past 15 or 16 months people in Mallow have been disappointed that more progress was not made in decentralising some of Fáilte Ireland to Mallow. Will the Minister of State clarify the vital question of whether it is still Government policy to decentralise Bus Éireann to Mitchelstown and Fáilte Ireland to Mallow? If this does not prove possible, will the Government decentralise other offices? As the Minister of State will be aware, hundreds of Civil Service staff in other Departments are willing to consider moving to regions such a north Cork. If it transpires that it is not possible to proceed with the initial plans regarding Mitchelstown and Mallow, the Government should acknowledge the position and commence plans to decentralise other Departments or offices to both towns. While I appreciate that one cannot move mountains overnight and we do not expect miracles, it is important that the current status of the decentralisation projects for Mallow and Mitchelstown are clarified as soon as possible. If they cannot be realised, will the towns be considered for other decentralisation projects? How quickly can alternative programmes be realised?

I look forward to the Minister of State's reply given his commitment to the decentralisation process and his Department's efforts to square the circle as it were. With thousands of Dublin-based staff willing to move to provincial areas, perhaps a better mix and match approach is required. Will the Minister of State give a strong commitment that jobs will be decentralised to the north Cork towns of Mallow and Mitchelstown? The promise given on budget day in December 2003 must be fulfilled.