Vol. 492 No. 1
171 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the law relating to listing buildings in view of various attempts over the years to demolish such buildings by unscrupulous builders; and the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to ensure that anyone who interferes with these buildings without permission will be penalised. [13553/98]
Arising out of the commitments in the Government's programme An Action Programme for the Millennium, my colleague, Deputy Sile de Valera, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, and I announced a comprehensive package of legislative, financial and administrative measures on 13 May 1998 to address the protection of the architectural heritage. As part of the package I will bring forward a new planning Bill which will give comprehensive protection to buildings of architectural, artistic and historical importance which are a vital part of our national heritage. Details of the full package of resources are being forwarded to the Deputy.
