Vol. 441 No. 7
19 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Finance if he will adopt a less restrictive policy with local community groups who wish to improve sites of archaeological or historical interest; and if he will have arrangements made to have more professional and advisory staff available who would liaise or work closely with community groups who would be utilising the new FÁS community employment scheme for such work.
Because of the obligations placed by the National Monuments Acts on the Commissioners of Public Works it is unavoidable that controls must be exercised in relation to any works proposed by community groups at National Monument sites. Where a site, typically a graveyard, is of obvious archaeological or architectural interest, the proposers of a scheme of works must themselves make arrangements to retain appropriate professional advice and must have their improvement scheme accepted by the Office of Public Works.
The Commissioners of Public Works have made specific liaison arrangements to deal with such schemes and are pleased to provide general guidance to agencies such as FAS and to local community groups. These arrangements will, where the need arises, extend to cover the new "Community Employment Scheme".
