asked the Taoiseach whether he intends to implement the previous Government's decision to set up a Department of Culture and Arts with a view of co-ordinating responsibilities at present spread among many different Government Departments.

No such decision was taken by the previous Government. The most effective way to co-ordinate all the cultural and artistic activities and responsibilities of the Government is under consideration at present. The Deputy will be aware that arrangements including the preparation of the necessary legislation for the setting up of a National Heritage Council are well advanced.

When does the Taoiseach expect this process of consideration to conclude? What stage of conclusion has the memorandum which is being circulated to the various Government Departments reached?

Is the Deputy referring to the National Heritage Council?

I am referring to the subject matter of the question, a Department of Culture and Arts.

There is no memorandum circulating to the Departments about that matter at present. No memorandum about the setting up of a Department of Culture and Arts has been circulated by the Government.

The question relates to what the Taoiseach intends to do about the previous Government's decision. One had been circulated.

The question asks when we intend to implement the previous Government's decision and in my reply I pointed out that the previous Government did not take such a decision.

Is the Taoiseach aware of a policy commitment by the previous Government to set up such a Department? Will the Taoiseach indicate to the House his intention with regard to such a Department?

Strangely enough the Government do not feel bound by policy decisions taken by the previous Government in a number of areas. I have indicated in my reply that we are examining for ourselves — I hope the Deputy will grant us the privilege of doing that — how best the different cultural and artistic activities and responsibilities of the Government can be co-ordinated.