I propose to take Questions Nos. 283, 305 and 306 together.
I can confirm that my Department is retaining all of its current functions, including its planning functions.
The Heritage functions currently under the remit of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be transferred to my Department. This will include the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The statutory transfer of functions process to give effect to the changes in respect of the heritage portfolio is underway, with the aim of completing the transfer as soon as possible, guided by the Transfer of Functions Guidelines and Best Practice Handbook . The effective date of the transfer will be determined by the Transfer of Functions Order.