Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:96 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether the interdepartmental working group on listed buildings has issued its final report; and the progress to date of the group. [13009/96]
Written Answers. - Listed Buildings.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:97 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the incentives, if any, available to encourage owners of listed buildings to fulfil the conservation intentions. [13011/96]
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:98 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether a national authority to support the local authorities will be established to oversee listed buildings. [13012/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 to 98, inclusive, together.
As I stated in reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 27 and 51 on this matter on 12 June 1996, I am informed that the interdepartmental working group on listed buildings has now completed its work. I understand it expects to submit its report to myself and to my colleague the Minister for the Environment Deputy Howlin, within a week.
The terms of reference of the working group include making recommendations for the introduction of incentives for the proper upkeep and maintenance of listed buildings, and I expect, therefore, that its report, when submitted, will address this issue.
There is no tax relief available specifically for listed buildings but there is provision in section 19 of the Finance Act, 1982, as amended by section 18 of the Finance Act, 1994, for full relief from income tax or corporation tax to the owner or occupier of a building of significant historical, architectural or aesthetic interest in respect of expenditure incurred in the repair, maintenance, or restoration of such a building, subject to the provision of public access to the building. This relief also extends to any garden or grounds of an ornamental nature occupied or enjoyed with such a building.
There are no grant schemes administered directly by my Department for those wishing to restore listed buildings.
The Heritage Council, which is a statutory, autonomous body under the Heritage Act, 1995, has powers to provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, to persons and bodies in relation to the protection, preservation and promotion of the physical heritage, which includes listed buildings.
The question of establishing a national authority in respect of listed buildings is a matter which will be considered in the light of any recommendations in this regard contained in the working group's report.