Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2004
169 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if section 13 of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 is in itself insufficient to resolve legal problems related to official grants of arms; if he intends to implement this section of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25262/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra176 Mr. English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has given consideration to introducing a genealogy and heraldry Bill to authorise the creation of a new post of State herald-Stát Aralt within the National Library of Ireland, with clearly defined powers and duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 176 together.
I have no plans to introduce a genealogy and heraldry bill to authorise the creation of a new position of State herald. Rather, it is my intention that section 13 of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 relating to genealogy and heraldry will be implemented in the next stage of phased implementation of the Act, which will result in the establishment of statutory boards for, and autonomy of, the National Museum and National Library from 1 January 2005. The advice available to me does not suggest that section 13 is inadequate for this purpose but, as the Deputy will appreciate, legal interpretation of the section in the final analysis is a matter for the courts.
