44 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, made in her discussions with the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the County Managers Association regarding the appointment by local authorities of archaeologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6303/00]

Given the growth in development applications affecting the archaeological heritage, I support the engagement of local archaeologists by planning authorities to provide advice in this area. The matter has to be considered in the context of a central advisory service which will provide overall guidelines and which will continue to discharge duties in relation to research and excavations. In this respect I am examining proposals in relation to the archaeological service offered by my Department and the context into which local archaeologists could work most effectively. I aim to discuss these proposals with my colleagues, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Environment and Local Government in the near future.