asked the Minister for Finance, further to a reply of 7th June with regard to an official guide or list of the national monuments under the care of the Office of Public Works, at what date the official guide referred to by him went out of print: at what date the officers of the National Monuments Branch began the preparation of the up-to-date guide referred to by him; at what date approval in principle for the publication of this guide was given by his Department; at what date Bord Fáilte made their offer to contribute to the cost of publication; and at what approximate date does he expect that the guide will be actually published.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Monuments Guide.
8.
The guide referred to by the Deputy has been out of print since 1953. The preparation of an up-to-date and more attractive guide was begun in 1952 and proceeded intermittently as opportunity offered, having regard to the pressing demands on the time of limited staff available. Approval in principle to publication of the guide was given by the Department of Finance on 26th April, 1962. Bord Fáilte agreed in December, 1960 to contribute towards the cost, and the text of the guide has been settled in consultation with them. Arrangements are being made with the Stationery Office for publication. I cannot say precisely when it will be published, but it will be available before the next tourist season.