Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

211 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals for legislation being prepared under the auspices of her Department where heads have not yet been approved by the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13279/99]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

212 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals for legislation being prepared under the auspices of her Department where heads have been approved by Government; the expected date of publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13297/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.

Proposals for Legislation where heads are not yet approved by Government.

Heads of the Official Languages Equality Bill are being drafted in my Department. The purpose of this Bill is to define constitutional language rights of citizens and in particular those rights as regards the Irish Language.

The Heads of the Housing (Gaeltacht) (Amendment) Bill are being drafted in my Department. The purpose of this Bill is to review and update the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts.

Work on the preparation of the Heads of a National Parks and Historic Properties Bill has been deferred. While I consider that the provision of a satisfactory legal framework for our national parks and historic properties remains a necessity, I have decided that the issue is one to be developed within the context of the preparation of a National Heritage Plan, on which work is already under way.

Proposals for Legislation where heads have been approved by the Government

The Government has approved the Scheme of Bill in respect of the Broadcasting Bill, 1999, which has as its primary purpose the facilitation of the introduction of digital terrestrial television in Ireland. The Bill is expected to be published later this month.

The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill is at a very advanced stage of preparation and it is expected that it will be published during the current parliamentary session.

The heads of the Údarás na Gaeltachta (No. 2) (Amendment) Bill, 1999, have been approved by Government and it is expected that it will be published in the coming months. This Bill will provide for the restructuring of Údarás na Gaeltachta.