The position in relation to my Department is as follows: 1. Directive 96/100/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 February 1997 amending the Annex to Directive 93/7/EEC on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a member state. The directive was due to be brought into effect by 1 September 1997. It is proposed that this will be done by way of Statutory Instrument and arrangements to this end are in hand at present. 2. Directive 97/26/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 1997 amending Council Directive 89/552/EEC on the co-ordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in member states concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities. The directive is due to be brought into force not later than 31 December 1998. It has yet to be decided if primary legislation or a statutory instrument will be the means of bringing the provisions of the directive into force in Irish law. 3. Directive 97/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 1997 amending Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. This directive, which amends the Annexes to the Habitats Directive, is due to be brought into force by 31 December 1997 and arrangements to this end are in hand.
