asked the Taoiseach the names and functions of the commissions, committees, interdepartmental committees, working parties and State-sponsored bodies established by him and abolished by him since taking office.
Written Answers. - State Bodies.
40.
The schedule that is being circulated in the Official Report sets out the information in respect of my Departments requested by the Deputy concerning the commissions, committees, interdepartmental committees, working parties and State-sponsored bodies set up by me since taking office. None has been abolished.
1. Central Review Committee on the Programme for National Recovery
The Central Review Committee was established in 1987 to review and monitor progress in implementing the Programme for National Recovery and, in particular, the achievement of the targets and objectives of the programme.
2. International Financial Services Centre Committee
The International Financial Services Centre Committee was established in 1987. Its functions are:
(i) to advise on and undertake, where appropriate, the necessary arrangements for the establishment of a major international financial services centre in Dublin,
(ii) the identification, in conjunction with the relevant public bodies, of an area in the Custom House Docks site suitable as a location for the International Financial Services Centre,
(iii) to advise on proposals coming forward for data protection legislation, and on any regulatory and taxation changes,
(iv) to provide any other advice and assistance which the Government may require in connection with the establishment of the International Financial Services Centre.
3. Temporary Advisory Committee on the proposed National Gallery of Modern Art
This committee was established to advise on the arrangements for the establishment and running of the proposed gallery. It has provided a report, which is under consideration, on the administrative structure, funding and staffing of the gallery.
4. Committee of Ministers and Departmental Secretaries
A Committee of Ministers and Departmental Secretaries has been established to deal with Ireland's relations with the European Community.
5. Efficiency Audit Group
An Efficiency Audit Group has been established to examine the workings and practices of each Government Department with a view to recommending improved or alternative practices and methods which would reduce costs and improve efficiency.
6. Interdepartmental Group on Departmental Accommodation
This group was established to consider the use of certain property as departmental accommodation.
7. National Heritage
(a) A temporary committee was established to advise on the establishment of a National Heritage Council. This Committee has completed its task.
(b) The National Heritage Council was then established as a non-statutory body to formulate policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of Ireland's heritage in the areas of archaeology, architecture, flora and fauna, landscape, heritage gardens and inland waterways. In addition the Council will promote an awareness of and concern for the heritage, ensure the co-ordination of all activities in the heritage field, decide on the distribution of funds allocated to it for heritage work and advise the Government on the drafting of legislation to establish a statutory Heritage Council.
8. Task Force on Roots Genealogy and Tourism
A Task Force on Roots Genealogy and Tourism was established in 1988. The purpose of the Task Force is to examine, from a tourism development perspective, the existing situation in the genealogy/roots area in this country and to recommend how the area should be developed further as an important tourism product.
9. Dublin Heritage Area Development Group
The group was established to examine the feasibility of a heritage-based tourism area in Dublin's old quarter, based on innovative ways of bringing history and heritage to life.
10. Interdepartmental Committee on Dublin Science Park
This committee was established to make recommendations on a site for a Science Park in Dublin and the organisational arrangements necessary to get the park underway, and to advise generally on the development of the dockland area in question.