asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans for the introduction of a Preservation of Buildings Bill, the effect of which would bring into practice the theoretical powers which local authorities have at present to protect listed buildings with the possibility of including (a) all statutory provision for listing of buildings of architectural merit, (b) full statutory provision for scheduling of architectural conservation areas, (c) protection of listed buildings and conservation areas under the Planning Acts, (d) compulsory repairs power to secure a listed building maintenance, (e) separate fire regulations for listed buildings where the enforcement of the current regulations would damage the integrity of the building, (f) formation of an independent body to co-ordinate architectural conservation practice, (g) financial provision for grants and tax relief and (h) the establishment of an Historic Buildings Council.

I have no proposal of this kind. The replies to Questions Nos. 30 of 3 February 1988 and No. 61 of 9 March 1988 outline the existing powers for the preservation of buildings which are available to local authorities under the Planning and Housing Acts. The Local Government (Planning and Development) (No. 2) Bill, 1988, and the Derelict Sites Bill, 1989, both currently before the Dáil, will further improve the powers of local authorities in this area.