Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 4

Written Answers. - Heritage Council.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

139 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his proposals for the future arrangements for heritage functions; if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by professionals in the heritage area at the implications of the break up of Dúchas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12953/03]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

148 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposed new role of the Heritage Council. [13036/03]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

162 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether separating responsibility for above ground heritage protection from below ground heritage protection and allocating these functions to two bodies, the Office of Public Works and his Department, is the best means of protecting built heritage. [13037/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 148 and 162 together.

Last month the Government approved a new set of arrangements governing the discharge by the State of its heritage functions. Under these new arrangements the Minister for the Environment and Local Government retains responsibility for policy and operational matters relating to our natural heritage. He also retains responsibility for built heritage policy – including architecture and archaeology. The operational and management functions in relation to built heritage will be transferred to the Office of Public Works. Rather than utilising the separate Dúchas brand, which has been in place for several years, my Department will be renamed the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The role of the Heritage Council, particularly vis-à-vis the policy role of my Department, will be redefined. There will be a progressive expansion of the remit of local authorities in heritage matters.

These changes were approved following the completion of a comprehensive review initiated last summer. The review was set against the background of the announcement by the Taoiseach in June 2002 of details of the new Government and changes in the distribution of functions between Departments. As part of the review process I made arrangements for consultation with staff working in the heritage area, the trade unions concerned, the Heritage Council and the CCMA. A draft report of the review was provided for consultation. All of the written submissions received were considered in the context of finalising the new arrangements.

The organisational changes approved on foot of the review are designed to achieve the optimum use of the organisational resources available to Government. They build on my Department's strengths in terms of experience of regulation and policy development, particularly in the environmental area, and the strong tradition of the Office of Public Works in the areas of conservation and property management. Provision is also being made for the establishment of a high level heritage liaison group to provide a framework for effective interaction between both organisations.

Prior to changes in the distribution of heritage functions between Departments the national heritage plan was published in April 2002. It included a commitment to review the Heritage Act 1995 under which the council was established. A preliminary phase of that review was undertaken as part of the broader examination of heritage organisational arrangements finalised last month. It concluded that there was a need to redefine the council's role, particularly to ensure clarity regarding the respective responsibilities of the council and my Department. The relevant findings of the report will serve to guide the second phase of the review which will consider the future role of the council in detail.

The new arrangements announced last month will enable the State to discharge its responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting our heritage.