Decentralisation of Posts and Telegraphs Staff
The Government is reviewing the proposed transfer of 400 Posts and Telegraphs staff to Waterford in light of costs, so no decision or timetable is available. The Minister said the Public Service Department is reviewing decentralisation and acknowledged it may be preferable to await consideration of semi-State bodies.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if and when the decentralisation of 400 staff from his Department to Waterford will go ahead.
Comment on this
The decentralisation programme is under review by the Government at present in the light of the costs involved. The information sought cannot be given until a decision has been taken by the Government in the matter.
Comment on this
As I said in my reply, the matter is under review but it could have been proceeded with were it not for the serious economic situation that prevails as a result of the mismanagement from 1977 to 1981.
Comment on this
I shall refrain from commenting on that last remark. Would it not be more advisable to wait until the matter of the semi-State bodies is dealt with in the House before proceeding with any further discussion on decentralisation?
Comment on this
The whole question of decentralisation is not one for my Department. The question deals specifically with my Department in terms of decentralisation. I understand that the Department of the Public Service are reviewing the decentralisation programme so there may be some merit in the suggestion that we should not do anything further until after the semi-State situation is considered.
