Vol. 507 No. 3
170 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, being taken to protect heritage and historical sites including the old cemetery and traditional place of pilgrimage on Iniskeer Island, Portnoo, County Donegal, particularly in view of the fact local landowners have indicated that they will co-operate with these moves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16801/99]
I presume the Deputy is referring to Iniskeel Island.
The monastic site on the island is not in State ownership and consequently Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department does not have a statutory obligation to maintain or restore it. Moreover, there are already some 700 monuments in my care and limited resources available to me to protect and maintain them. However, the site is a recorded monument thus affording it protection under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994.
