National Heritage Council
The Taoiseach said the Bill establishing the Council lapsed with the previous Dáil and the Government had not yet considered whether to reintroduce it, while stressing this did not imply opposition. Haughey urged the Government to recognize the preparatory work and the Council’s importance to cultural administration.
asked the Taoiseach if it is his intention to proceed with the establishment of the national heritage council.
Comment on this
The Bill, as the House will know, lapsed with the last Dáil. The Government have not yet had an opportunity to consider their approach to the Bill.
Comment on this
In his consideration of the matter will the Taoiseach bear in mind the great deal of very valuable and important work that has been done over a considerable period in the preparations for the establishment of a national heritage council? Will he agree that whatever other arrangements he may make with regard to the allocation of functions and responsibility for the cultural section of our administration that a national heritage council would be an important element in this area?
Comment on this
The position is that the Government have not yet considered the Bill but I do not want to suggest in any way that the Government are opposed to it. Literally it has not been possible in the time available to consider the matter with a view to its introduction. We must at least consider the matter before it is brought before the House.