John Bruton
Ceist:22 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Government's consideration of its contribution to the celebration of the millennium. [17639/98]
Written Answers. - Millennium Projects.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:23 Mr. Deenihan asked the Taoiseach if he will outline Government plans for the provision of major millennium projects; the expected distribution of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18693/98]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
The Government is in the process of establishing a national millennium committee which I will chair. The committee is to examine and make recommendations on contributing towards the funding of a small number of significant national projects which have been proposed as millennium projects. In addition, it will examine and recommend a system for supporting, including funding, commemorative projects at a community, local, county or regional level, in order to provide local communities, including in areas of social disadvantage, with an opportunity to participate in the commemoration of the millennium.
It is intended that the work of the national millennium committee will be supported by a small millennium office to be established within the Department of the Taoiseach. This office will also be responsible for the co-ordination of the Government's overall millennium programme.
It is expected that the Government will announce details of the national millennium committee shortly. The exact funding to be made available for millennium projects and the operation of the millennium office will also be announced in the near future.