Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Heritage Council Report.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

38 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the new report from the Heritage Council on forestry and national heritage; the discussions, if any, she has had with the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources on the contents of this report; the plans, if any, she has to implement the recommendations in this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11176/99]

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

I am aware of the paper entitled Policies and Priorities for the National Heritage: Forestry and the National Heritage, which was published by the Heritage Council in March this year.

In line with Ireland's obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, my Department is preparing a national biodiversity plan, in the context of which account will be taken of the paper in question. Extensive discussions and consultations will also take place with relevant Government Departments and agencies in the course of preparing the national biodiversity plan.

The Deputy will be aware that a national heritage plan is also in the course of preparation in my Department and the Heritage Council paper on forestry and the national heritage will be taken account of as appropriate in that context also. Consultations with other relevant Departments and agencies will be an integral part of the planning process.