James Leonard
Question:60 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether he has received the report on the protection of listed dwellings; and the action, if any, he proposes to take in respect of this matter. [8050/96]
Written Answers. - Protection of Listed Dwellings.
The inter-departmental working group, made up of officials of my Department, the Department of the Environment and the Office of Public Works, was established by myself and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Howlin, in February 1995, pursuant to commitments in the policy agreement for Government of December, 1994, entitled A Government of Renewal. The terms of reference of the working group are to examine and report back with recommendations on improving the protection for listed buildings, including placing the system of listed buildings on a statutory basis, introducing incentives for the proper upkeep and maintenance of such buildings and undertaking a full national architectural audit.
To date, the working group has met on 16 occasions, and I am informed that its work is nearing completion and that it expects to be able to submit its report shortly. I can assure the Deputy that the Minister for the Environment and I will give careful consideration to the report and to the introduction of any necessary new policy initiatives in this area.