asked the Taoiseach whether the Government has decided to transfer any Department, or branch of a Department, from Dublin to a provincial centre; if so, what Department or branch of a Department it is proposed to transfer, and if he will state when and to what areas it is proposed to make the transfer.

It has been decided that a branch of one of the Departments of State should be decentralised, but, pending the acquisition of a site for the new building that will be necessary for the purpose, it would not be in the public interest to make any announcement in regard to the details of the proposal.

Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply could he indicate now what Department it is proposed to transfer and could he state in relation to time when the transfer is likely to be effected even if he cannot indicate the area?

I will have to get notice of that.

I will give notice for next week.

In view of the fact that some years ago an examination was made of the position in Cork as to whether or not the Department of Social Welfare could be transferred there, would the Taoiseach say whether a report has been made on that matter by those who carried out that investigation and whether that report has been published and whether any announcement can be made on the matter?

I am afraid that is a separate question.

May I remind the Taoiseach of the question itself? It says: "if so, what Department or branch of the Department it is proposed to transfer and if he will state when and to what area it is proposed to make the transfer." That was notice in advance and I would ask if he will state when and to what area.

Well, as was indicated in the reply, it is not in the public interest to give the details in view of the fact that the site has not been acquired.

Suppose we leave out the site as it is a matter of conjecture, could the Taoiseach say what Department he has in mind at the moment or is it the position that it is all up in the air?

No.

How far from the ground is it?

I cannot tell you that.

It is on the ground.

The Minister for Agriculture says it is on the ground. Will the Taoiseach find out from the Minister for Agriculture what is the real position?

I do not know where the Minister for Agriculture comes in.

When does the Taoiseach expect to know what is happening to a Government Department under his charge?

What I do know is that certain steps have been taken and certain details worked out but the site has not been acquired and it is obviously not in the public interest to give details.

I understand certain steps have been taken — how many more steps have to be taken? We will come back to that again.