According to the minister, final answers as to the planned relocation will be given by a special task force that is currently analyzing the ministry's information flows, interaction among different departments and liaison with subordinate bodies.
"There is a common position – it has been approved by the prime minister as well – that policy-making units that, among other functions, hold negotiations on the new financial period and administer all support funds should remain in Vilnius. Other divisions should perhaps move to Kaunas," Palionis told the Ziniu Radijas radio station on Thursday.
"The task force has to ensure that the divisions in Kaunas should not duplicate work performed in Vilnius (...). The task group has been given until November 30, but I think that work will be done much faster," he said.
Palionis, who is also a member of the Seimas, expects to remain in the capital.
Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis reiterated on Wednesday that the ministry would be relocated to Kaunas.
"This is the government's decision and it must be implemented," he told reporters.
According to information available to BNS, the possibility of moving 40 of the ministry's total staff of around 220 to Kaunas, up to 20 to Alytus, up to 30 to Panevezys, and up to 20 to Siauliai was discussed in mid-September.