The following is a list of the members of the Heritage Council and their geographical locations: Ms Freda Rountree-Chairperson, County Offaly; Professor Emer Colleran, Galway; Ms Ruth Delany, County Dublin; Ms Anne Brennan, Dublin; Dr. Jimmy Dunne, Galway; Ms Elizabeth Fahy, Dublin; Ms Orna Hanly, Dublin; Ms Anna McHugh, County Galway; Fr. Tomás Ó Caoimh, County Kerry; Mr. David Leach, Cork; Mr. Peter Pearson, Dublin; Dr. Michael Ryan, Dublin; Dr. Micheline Sheehy-Skeffington, Galway; Mr. David Slattery, Dublin; Professor John Waddell, Galway; Mr. Michael McNamara, Clare and Mr. Michael Conry, Carlow.
With one exception these members were appointed by my predecessor Deputy Michael Higgins, and their term of office expires in July, 2000. In accordance with the heritage Act, 1995 the Heritage Council consists of a chairperson and not fewer than 14 or more than 16 ordinary members, and they are appointed on the basis of the interest in or knowledge or experience of the national heritage. In appointing members of boards my view is, where appropriate and feasible given other requirements, a wide regional background is desirable.