Brendan Howlin
Ceist:62 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if progress has been made in filling the position of Chief Herald of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31435/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 1 December 2004
Ceisteanna (39)
Freagraí ó Béal (1 píosaí cainte)
Sections 12 and 13 of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 deal with the responsibility of the board of the National Library of Ireland for genealogy and heraldry and for the appointment of a chief herald. It is my intention to bring into effect the provisions of the 1997 Act giving the autonomy to the National Library as soon as discussions between officials at my Department, the Department of Finance and staff of the museum, now nearing finality, are bought to a conclusion. I expect to move on this over the next few weeks. I am satisfied that the best course is to await the appointment of the new board of the National Library and allow it appoint a chief herald as it is required to do under the Act.