Vol. 513 No. 2
146 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to address the problem in the national monument section of contract workers; and the further plans, if any, she has to make these workers permanent. [2142/00]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 163 of 17 November. The position is as I outlined in that reply.
147 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason no principal officer has been appointed to the national monument section; when she will make this appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2143/00]
Plans are in hand to have this post filled in the very near future.
148 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the staff shortages in the national monuments section of Dúchas which has resulted in a major backlog in handling planning applications specifically concerning archaeological matters and in the issuing of archaeological excavation licences; the way in which she will address this staff shortage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2144/00]
I wish to bring to the Deputy's attention my reply to a question from him on 23 November, in which I explained that the workload relating to the archaeological functions handled by my Department has increased dramatically in recent years. As explained in that reply I am committed to providing an efficient and professional service to all the customers of my Department and it is my intention to ensure that the resources available to me are used to best effect to meet this increased demand.
