Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 628: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on all aspects of the decentralisation programme to Kilkenny; the progress achieved to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25371/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Arts Council, one of the State agencies under the aegis of my Department, is designated for transfer to Kilkenny under the Government's programme of decentralisation. The council has prepared an implementation plan and although the body was not identified as an early mover by the decentralisation implementation group the OPW's projects division, having assessed its requirements, has identified a building in Kilkenny that may be suitable. The building is in needof major refurbishment.

I have already met with and briefed the chairperson and chief executive officer of the Arts Council on Government policy in relation to the decentralisation programme and I emphasised that their full commitment to the process is required. Officials of my Departmentare scheduled to meet with the chiefexecutive officers of all the agencies under the aegis of my Department early next month and decentralisation will feature as a significant item on the agenda of the meeting. Furthermore I intend to meet again with the chairpersons and chief executives at an early date to ensure that the decentralisation agenda continues to be progressed in line with Government policy.