266 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an application for the decentralisation of a Government Department to Navan, County Meath; when a decision on decentralisation will be made; if this decision will coincide with the budget announcements of early December; if it will coincide with the Government election manifesto policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27811/01]

The case has been made for the inclusion of Navan in any new programme of decentralisation. I am determined that decisions in relation to such a programme should be taken only after proper deliberation has been completed. In view of my determination in this regard, I am not in a position to say definitively when the Government will be in a position to take decisions in relation to a new programme, other than to say that such decisions will be taken as soon as is practicable after the conclusion of the ongoing deliberations.