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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 2

Written Answers. - Heritage Policy.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

256 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the status and role of archaeologists within the proposals for changes in the heritage service; if the Government is committed to an integrated heritage service as the most efficient and effective way of protecting built and natural heritage; if it is proposed to retain these functions in one Department; and if the post of chief archaeologist is to be retained when the present incumbent retires. [14015/03]

Details of the new institutional arrangements for heritage policy and operations were set out in my reply to Questions Nos. 139, 148 and 162 on 14 May 2003. The archaeological service provided by my Department will continue with the exception of the professional inputs on State owned national monuments. Responsibility for management of those properties is transferring to the Office of Public Works and in-house archaeological expertise to care for the monuments is being addressed in the transfer arrangements. The Departments chief archaeologist has recently retired and the filling of the post is being addressed at present.

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