Madam, - Many comments about the possible difficulties of public service decentralisation are very exaggerated. The private Sector has been living with the equivalent of decentralisation for years. Companies are constantly closing down or relocating to other countries where operating costs are lower. Employees are forced to seek alternative jobs at great personal inconvenience. In the vast majority of cases the redundant employees do not want to change their jobs. Movements and relocations have become part of modern living.
The public sector accepted comparisons with the private sector for pay increases through benchmarking in 2002. There was no objection to this process. A second phase is due to commence in 2006. It is not feasible for either sector merely to draw comparisons with the attractive features of the other. Unions in the public sector should not expect the wider public to support benchmarking and oppose decentralisation.
There is also the problem of congestion around central Dublin. Most Government departments are located near the city centre. This increases traffic problems and is no longer sustainable in the 21st century. The public sector must be prepared to change to meet new challenges. - Yours, etc,
Dr BRIAN PATRICK McARDLE, Newbridge, Co Kildare.