PRESS RELEASE

04/01/2006

Kenny Doublespeak on Decentralisation

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is quoted in the Irish Times as predicting “chaos” in the civil service after decentralisation.

This is complete doublespeak. Prior to the announcement of decentralisation, Fine Gael consistently called for the introduction of such a programme.

In 2001, saying that 4,128 civil servants living in Dublin had applied for transfer to government offices in Mayo, Enda Kenny called for a substantial decentralisation programme

According to the Western People of 9 August 2001:

Commenting on the figures, Deputy Enda Kenny said they indicated clearly not only the desire of those from the region to return to the West, but also a desire to escape from the increasing pressures of living in the Dublin area. The Deputy has called for a substantial decentralisation programme.

"This cannot happen until the Govt. announces its intention on decentralisation.," he said.

Deputy Kenny said civil servants were being penalised on promotion by being asked to return to Dublin and many had refused promotion on that basis.

2003 Fine Gael Private Members’ Motion on Decentralisation

In 2003,  Fine Gael tabled a motion in the Dáil calling on the government to implement a decentralisation programee. Enda Kenny claimed that more than 18,000 civil servants had expressed an interest in taking up the option to transfer out of the capital but that none had, as yet, been relocated.

Enda Kenny said that “The targeted numbers for decentralisation were hugely over subscribed but the Government has done nothing to follow through on their policy.”

During the debate, Fine Gael’s Paul Connaughton strongly criticized the government, claiming that;
“This Government is in flagrant breach of a solemn commitment given before the last general election by the Minister for Finance who stated that 10,000 civil servants would be relocated.”

From 2000 to the end of 2003, Fine Gael and Labour put down over 200 Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Finance seeking the implementation of a decentralisation programme.

2005

When asked if he would abandon any of the decentralisation plans, the Irish Times said that he ‘waffled’. However, he was very concerned that the decentralisation of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to his own constituency should go ahead.