Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 69: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has met Dóchas to discuss its concerns regarding the Government decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6836/06]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have not met Dóchas on this specific issue but I am aware of its concerns with respect to the decentralisation of the development co-operation directorate of the Department to Limerick. These concerns were set out in a letter received from Dóchas to which my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, replied in detail on 31 January. In this letter, the Minister stated that decentralisation is a Government decision which we are committed to implementing and Department officials are currently involved in detailed planning and implementation of the decentralisation project. We look forward to continued engagement and co-operation with Dóchas and other stakeholders throughout the process of decentralisation. My officials continue to meet regularly with Dóchas to discuss a wide range of matters and while I have not received a specific request to meet with Dóchas on decentralisation, I am happy to discuss the issue with Dóchas or any other interested party.