Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

Decentralisation will allow civil servants who previously decentralised very successfully an opportunity to progress through the ranks and become Secretaries General of their Departments, if they qualify. This is a great incentive for them. More than half of the 10,600 applicants are from Dublin, from which city there is a very strong commitment.

It was not only hypocritical but also naïve of the Opposition to be critical while suggesting decentralisation could happen and be well planned. Senator Coonan rightly said the programme should be well planned and that is why it has taken a while longer than expected. It will be rolled out in the term of another Government and we have laid out indicative closing times.