22 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he intends to draw up proposals to ensure the preservation of traditional thatched houses based on the national inventory commenced by the Office of Public Works in 1980. [14727/95]

25 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he intends to draw up to ensure the preservation of traditional thatched houses based on the national inventory commenced by the Office of Public Works in 1980. [15810/95]

28 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he intends to draw up to ensure the preservation of traditional thatched houses based on the national inventory commenced by the Office of Public Works in 1980. [15806/95]

31 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the progress, if any, made to date by the working group which is currently examining issues surrounding the preservation of listed buildings, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 2 March 1995; the proposals, if any, he has to place the system of listed buildings on a statutory basis; the proposals, if any, he has to provide further incentives for the maintenance and preservation of such buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15766/95]

37 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he intends to draw up to ensure the preservation of traditional thatched houses based on the national inventory commenced by the Office of Public Works in 1980. [15807/95]

47 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he intends to draw up to ensure the preservation of traditional thatched houses based on the national inventory commenced by the Office of Public Works in 1980. [15805/95]

49 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he intends to draw up to ensure the preservation of traditional thatched houses based on the national inventory commenced by the Office of Public Works in 1980. [15809/95]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 22, 25, 28, 31, 37, 47 agus 49 le chéile.

As the Deputies will be aware, last February, pursuant to commitments in the policy agreement for Government entitled "A Government of Renewal", I and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Brendan Howlin, established an inter-departmental working group made up of officials of my Department, the Department of the Environment and the Office of Public Works to examine and report back with recommendatons on improving the protection for listed buildings, including placing the system of listed buildings on a statutory basis, introducing incentives for the proper upkeep and maintenance of such buildings and undertaking a full national architectural audit. Traditional thatched houses which are part of the vernacular architectural heritage come within the terms of reference of the working group.