Memorable Budgets - 2004, Budget Introduces Decentralisation

Decentralisation to End Dublin Mindset in Policy Formation

The announcement of the biggest decentralisation programme in the history of the state overshadowed all other elements of the budget. Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy announced that 10,000 civil servants would be transferred out of Dublin under proposals to involve every government department. Employee tax credits were raised but the standard rate band stayed the same. The €10 per week increases in social welfare payments were criticised by anti-poverty campaigners.

David Davin Power reports on Charlie McCreevy's address to the Dáil and the replies from Fine Gael and Labour.

Budget Pleases Business but Problems for Local Government Finances

Ingrid Miley gets reaction to the budget from the social partners, including Turlough O'Sullivan of IBEC and David Beggs of the ICTU.

"This is not Rocket Science"

Charlie McCreevy's decentralisation announcement keeps the budget in the headlines. Five days after the budget, the Minister assures his critics that the notion is not rocket science and that the Government will ensure that it works.