59 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role she has in respect of the Government's policy of decentralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6980/01]

My colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, has functional responsibility for the Government's programme of public service decentralisation. At the request of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, I, like my other Government colleagues, have been engaged in a process of considering possible decentralisation options from within the remit of my own Department. I am also a member of the Cabinet sub-committee that will consider any proposals submitted by the Minister for Finance in advance of consideration by the Government. I will continue to input in a positive manner to the deliberative process under way in relation to decentralisation and to decisions to be taken by the Government at a future date.