Vol. 491 No. 2
128 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the establishment of strategic policy committees may lead to the dissolution of national monument advisory committees; her views in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11632/98]
Under the National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 1994, provision is made whereby local authorities may establish historic monuments advisory committees. The principal function of these committees is to provide advice and assistance to their own local authorities. The establishment of an historic monuments advisory committee is a matter for the individual local authority.
In November 1997 detailed guidelines, entitled Strategic Policy Committees — Guidelines for Establishment and Operation, were issued to all relevant local authorities by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. As part of this process, I understand local authorities have been advised to review their committee framework. However, it is entirely a matter for each local authority to decide on the composition of its own committee framework, in the light of this review.
