Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2019
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which she expects to encourage participation in heritage projects at community level in the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1972/19]
View answer266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects to support community heritage groups at local level in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1973/19]
View answer268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions she has had with local heritage groups and historical societies with a view to promoting greater interest in history and heritage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1975/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 265, 266 and 268 together.
I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question 1720/19, answered today, which sets out in detail the consultation process for Heritage Ireland 2030 and the various ways in which my Department is engaging in the course of that process with groups, communities and individuals who have an interest in our heritage.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, has community engagement as a primary focus, and this focus is now enhanced and strengthened under the provisions of the Heritage Act 2018. The allocation of its resources across the range of programmes and initiatives it supports is a matter for the Heritage Council, which is independent in the performance of its functions. Details of the programmes and supports operated by the Heritage Council may be found on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
