Written Answers - Architecture Policy.
Ivor Callely
Question:
105
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht
his views on raising awareness and appreciation of architecture and its importance as an integral part of our culture; the measures, if any, he would welcome in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20928/96]
I strongly support the raising of awareness and appreciation of architecture, past, present and future, which I recognise as being of great importance as an integral part of our culture, and I have taken a number of significant measures in this area.
As the Deputy is aware, I published, on September 17, a discussion document entitledDeveloping a Government Policy on Architecture: A proposed framework and discussion of issues, which envisages the development, for the first time in our history, of a Government policy on architecture. To stimulate a wide-ranging discussion within the community at large on this important issue, I initiated a four-month public consultation process, involving Government Departments, local authorities, professional bodies, interest groups and the general public, inviting their observations relating to this discussion document not later than 17 January 1997. Following receipt and consideration of those observations, I will be bringing forward specific proposals to Government.
In addition to this specific initiative, the Deputy will be aware that An Chomhairle Ealaíon, The Arts Council, is the statutory body appointed to promote and assist the arts, of which architecture forms part. I understand that the Council already provides support for initiatives relating to architecture.
With particular reference to the architectural heritage, one of the functions assigned under the Heritage Act, 1995, to An Chomhairle Oidhreachta, The Heritage Council, which I established as an autonomous statutory body in July, 1995, under that Act, is to promote interest, education, knowledge and pride in, and to facilitate the appreciation and enjoyment of the national heritage, which includes the architectural heritage. In accordance with the Act, the Council has established a standing committee on architectural heritage.
The Deputy will also be aware of the recent publication by my Department of an interdepartmental working group report, entitledStrengthening the Protection of the Architectural Heritage, which I launched on September 17 at the same time as the discussion document referred to above. This report contains 64 recommendations which will form the basis for a package of specific legislative, administrative and financial proposals relating to the protection of the architectural heritage which I, together with my colleague, Deputy Brendan Howlin, Minister for the Environment, intend to bring forward to Government, following detailed consideration of the report which is currently taking place within both of our Departments.
