Vol. 523 No. 2
122 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when she expects the promised national heritage plan will be finalised and published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20223/00]
The national heritage plan will be the first comprehensive strategy encompassing all aspects of our national heritage to be prepared in the history of the State. My Department has undertaken a broad public consultation process in relation to the development of the national heritage plan and some 350 submissions were received. Parallel preparatory work was undertaken within my Department, involving an assessment of the current management of our heritage. The work is being overseen by a steering group comprising officials of my Department and representatives of the Heritage Council.
Overall the process represents the most fundamental and critical examination undertaken of the current state of Irish heritage and the needs for the future. The draft plan was circulated to Government Departments on a consultative basis during the summer and their reactions to the proposals are being followed up. I hope to be in a position to bring the national heritage plan to Government for approval before the end of the year, with publication following as soon as possible thereafter.
