The Programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, contains a commitment to the development of a national heritage plan, and also local heritage plans. As Minister with responsibility for heritage I have initiated the preparation of the National Heritage Plan, and preparatory work, including a broad public consultation process, has been commenced in my Department. This consultation will of course embrace the local authorities. The purpose is to produce an integrated plan for the management of the national physical heritage, both moveable and immovable in the new millennium. It is intended that the National Heritage Plan, when completed, will provide the basis for the development of local heritage plans.