Parlon rejects calls for decentralisation review

Junior Minister Tom Parlon has rejected calls for a review of the Government’s decentralisation plans.

The Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants has called for such a move, but Mr Parlon told the Dáil today that there is not enough time for the Oireachtas finance committee to conduct a review.

Speaking about the matter in the House, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the Government’s decentralisation plans were flawed from the start.

“The target set by the Government is not going to be achieved,” he said.

“There hasn’t been any risk assessment carried out in terms of this. There hasn’t been any consultation with other parties in respect of how this fits in with the National Spatial Strategy and the problem of persons who do not wish to move.

"The problems of people tied to departments in Dublin because of family or education have not been taken into account at all."