Moving ministries ‘will hurt efficiency’

DECENTRALISING nine key Government departments outside Dublin will create major difficulties for decision making — especially if there is a national crisis, ministers were warned yesterday.

Former University of Limerick president Dr Edward Walsh said: "I am very concerned about moving nine of the 15 Government departments outside Dublin it is unprecedented and against all advise from other countries."

Those who run the country must be located together in order to make swift and good decisions for a proper, joined-up Government, Dr Walsh added.