asked the Taoiseach if, in respect of the National Heritage Council, he will indicate since their establishment, the number of meetings which have taken place; the work programme which the council have set for themselves; the extent of financial support, if any, which his Department or the Government will make available to the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Heritage Council.
1.
The inaugural meeting of the National Heritage Council took place on 5 September 1988. The council have held a further 14 meetings since then. Eight of these meetings have been with interest organisations. The council work through sub-committees and there have been a total of 20 sub-committee meetings so far.
The council's priority at the moment is to prepare legislative proposals to establish a statutory Heritage Council and the meetings with interest organisations are an integral part of this process. In addition the council have been considering a large number of applications for grant assistance to heritage projects, and to date have agreed to fund 14 projects.
The National Heritage Council is funded at the moment from the balance of the £1 million national lottery allocation to heritage. A statement concerning the council's future funding can be expected shortly.