Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Bodies.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

243 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will reverse his decision to split Dúchas, given that integrated protection of built and natural heritage is a core part of the European Landscape Convention ratified by Ireland in 2002. [13120/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

Under the new organisational arrangements in the heritage area announced last month, my Department will retain responsibility for policy and operational matters on the natural heritage. Responsibility for built heritage policy will also continue to rest with my Department, while operational functions in the built heritage are to transfer to the Office of Public Works. I am satisfied these new arrangements will not adversely affect Ireland's implementation of the Council of Europe's European Landscape Convention.