The more consideration that is given to the plan by the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, to relocate the headquarters of eight Government Departments out of Dublin, the dafter it appears to be.
The idea was introduced, like a rabbit from a hat, to add spice to what was a dull December Budget and to mollify those Fianna Fáil backbenchers who were in open revolt over health reforms. As a political "stroke", it was brilliant. As a carefully planned organisational change, it was a disaster. But, in his inimitable style, Mr McCreevy has ignored all criticism and appears intent on having his way.
The Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants will hold a special conference next week to discuss the concerns of its members and to explore its response to the Government's dictat. For, while Mr McCreevy has indicated that all transfers from the capital city will be voluntary, changes in the structures through which civil servants are recruited has become a source of unease. A lack of consultation with trade unions is high on their list of grievances. Concern has also been expressed about the career prospects of those opting to remain in Dublin.
The Association's general secretary, Mr Seán Ó Riordáin, has said that some 80 per cent of those senior officials affected by the proposal do not want to leave Dublin. And he questioned the effect such dramatic structural change would have on good planning and the delivery of services. Five professional bodies engaged in planning and development have also expressed serious reservations to the Minister, particularly as it affects policy-making staff. They urged the retention of Cabinet members and policy-makers in the capital so as to ensure cohesive and effective government planning.
The decentralisation of administrative sections and operational staff of civil and public services has been supported for many years by this newspaper. The exercise has helped to breathe economic life into many rural towns. And, in spite of some promotional difficulties at local level, it has worked well. Under the new scheme, more than 10,000 additional State employees are to be relocated to 53 centres in 25 counties, by the end of 2007. And while the bulk of those changes may be generally beneficial, the situation in relation to the transfer of Departmental headquarters and the policy-making sections of State agencies is a source of major concern.
The Government ignored its own National Spatial Strategy and adopted a politically-motivated, scatter-gun approach in choosing locations for decentralisation. It should not compound that mistake by fragmenting the decision-making process of government.