Michael Bell
Ceist:2 Mr. Bell asked the Taoiseach if he will outline (1) the status of the National Heritage Council, (2) their role and functions and (3) whether he intends to introduce any legislation in this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Heritage Council.
The National Heritage Council are a non-statutory voluntary council appointed by and reporting to the Taoiseach. The role and functions of the council are: to formulate policies and priorities to identify, protect, preserve, enhance and increase awareness of Ireland's heritage in the specific areas of archaeology, architecture, flora, fauna, heritage gardens and certain inland waterways; to promote among the general public an interest and pride in our heritage and to facilitate the appreciation and enjoyment of it; to work closely with and to make recommendations to Government Departments, planning authorities, public bodies and State companies in relation to all matters coming within the council's general area of responsibility and to ensure the co-ordination of all activities in the heritage field; to decide on the distribution of moneys allocated for heritage work subject to the approval of the Taoiseach, and to decide on the priorities for such expenditure and to advise the Government on the legislation to establish a statutory heritage council.
I intend to introduce legislation this year to establish a statutory heritage council.
In view of the fact that the council were established in 1988 on a non-statutory basis, will the Taoiseach not accept it is time they were put on a proper statutory basis?
Yes, I agree. On the other hand, I would like to point out to the Deputy that the council are acting very successfully, extraordinarily successfully, on the present basis, but I recognise that a proper statutory basis is necessary as soon as possible.
The Taoiseach stated — I presume this will be part of the legislation — that he proposes that part of the function of the National Heritage Council is to identify the archaeological heritage. Does that not almost directly overlap the function of the Office of Public Works in regard to national monuments? Further, let me ask him in the same fashion, to the extent that the National Heritage Council allocate money for archaeological excavations, does that not cut across existing allocations for archaeological excavations by the Office of Public Works through and with the assistance of the Royal Irish Academy?
No, there is no substance in what Deputy Bruton is suggesting, though it might appear on the surface that there could be. The National Heritage Council work in the closest possible co-operation with the Office of Public Works and in many respects the Office of Public Works are the agent of the National Heritage Council in various areas.
Will the Taoiseach not agree that, to the extent that the National Heritage Council are to become statutorily based, their statutory functions, if they follow the form of the Taoiseach's reply, will overlap some of the precise statutory functions which the Office of Public Works now have under the national monuments legislation in regard to archaeology? Will he agree that it is not desirable to have dual responsibility for the same activities?
Of course I agree, and that matter will be dealt with and the proper lines of demarcation will be set out in the legislation.
Will the Taoiseach agree that certain bodies should have the right of nomination of personnel or people for the heritage council? Will there be provision for that when he sets up the statutory body?
The Deputy will have to wait and see the legislation, but I think the National Heritage Council as at present appointed have been a complete success.
I am not disputing the reply——
A Cheann Comhairle——
We shall have to have finality on this question. Brief questions from Deputy Nealon and a final question from Deputy Bell.
I am not suggesting they have not been a success, although I would criticise them for their advice on changes in the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham. Is it desirable that the Taoiseach should have the sole right of nominating people for such a body?
I think it is an almost perfect solution.
Does the Taoiseach anticipate that the council will continue to have a role in the promotion of tourism? Would he like to commnent on what that role should be?
Not directly. They have no specific tourist function nor would I intend they should have. On the other hand, it is obvious that the more our heritage is revealed and displayed the greater contribution that will make to the tourist industry.