Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Written Answers. - Heritage Policy.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

68 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding the production by each county of a county heritage policy; the position of each policy report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6909/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I assume the Deputy is referring in his question to county heritage plans. The Programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, contains a commitment to the development of a national heritage plan and also local heritage plans.

As Minister with primary responsibility in relation to the heritage, I have initiated the preparation of a national heritage plan. My Department has recently completed a broad public consultation process in relation to the development of the plan and the 350 submissions received are currently being examined and assessed. A parallel preparatory process is under way within my Department, including the analysis referred to above and an overview of current management of the heritage with critical assessment and proposals for action. It is intended that these pro cesses will be completed shortaly and further detailed analysis of all the issues arising will be commenced, including cross-departmental consultation and I hope to have the plan ready for publication early next year.

It is intended that the national heritage plan will provide the framework for the development of local heritage plans and will enable detailed consideration to be given to the process to be adopted in advancing the development of local heritage plans.