Vol. 433 No. 6
23 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on the need to encourage communities to protect and, in some limited cases, restore buildings or structures of historical and archaeological interest throughout the country; and the policy, if any, he has towards this end.
The protection of our historical and archaeological monuments depends to a large extent on the vigilance of local communities, special interest groups and indeed concerned individuals. I know that there is at present great interest throughout the country in the preservation of our built heritage and it will be my policy to foster this interest and to increase awareness of potential threats to our national heritage.
The restoration of buildings or structures of historical or archaeological interest is in some instances appropriate but any intervention of this nature must be undertaken with the necessary expertise.
