46 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has in relation to promised legislation on the preservation of the interiors of historic buildings. [5020/97]

73 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has in relation to promised legislation on the preservation of the interiors of historic buildings. [5021/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 73 together.

The report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Strengthening the Protection of the Architectural Heritage, published last September, contains a comprehensive set of recommendations regarding the improvement of the protection of our architectural heritage, including the issue of protecting the interiors of listed buildings.

My colleague, the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and I have been developing a package of specific financial, administrative and legislative proposals, based on the recommendations in the report and taking into account observations received. As part of these proposals, I plan to bring forward, as soon as possible, a Bill which will deal comprehensively with strengthening the protection of the architectural heritage through the physical planning process.