Ahern denies decentralisation U-turn

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night denied moves to allow civil servants to remain in Dublin amounted to a climb-down on the Government’s controversial decentralisation plan.

In a speech, designed to allay widespread disquiet among public servants over the plan, Mr Ahern for the first time acknowledged the “great deal of uncertainty” it had caused. He then gave a reassurance that the future careers of those who opted to stay in the capital would be secured.

In a new departure, he also promised the Government would launch a computerised application facility (CAF) to cater for civil servants who want to stay in Dublin. It will be similar to the CAF that has been set up for those applying for decentralised positions in over 50 locations.