Michael Ahern
Question:86 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the present responsibilities of the Office of Public Works. [6947/95]
Written Answers. - OPW Responsibilities.
The Office of Public Works is responsible for: (a) providing and maintaining property used by Government Departments; (b) designing and supervising the construction of new buildings and the design and execution of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief; (c) procurement of uniforms, clothing, transport and miscellaneous goods in common use in Government Departments, the supply of paper, Government and agency publications, printing and other office requisites through the Government Supplies Agency; (d) the supply of furniture to Government Departments on an agency basis and (e) advising the Government in relation to Dublin Zoo.
Statutory Instruments Nos. 443 of 1994 and 61 of 1995 conferred on the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the powers of the Minister for Finance under a variety of statutes, for example the Wildlife Act, 1976, the National Monuments Acts, the Canals Act 1986 etc. The Heritage Council Bill, on enactment, will provide that the Commissioners of Public Works in the performance of their functions under specified legislation be subject to the supervision and general direction of the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. At present the Office of Public Works implements policy and conducts day to day operations in the heritage area on behalf of the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. The main activities involved are: the National Parks and Wildlife Service, whose functions include the conservation of wild flora and fauna, their habitats and managing national parks; the National Monuments and Historic Properties Service whose functions include the protection, management and maintenance of national monuments and other historic properties and the Waterways Service which is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Grand and Royal Canals and the Shannon Navigation.