156 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of task forces or special committees set up in her Department since 1997; the date they were established; the terms of reference of each; if they have reported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24493/01]

The following is a list of task forces or special committees set up in my Department since 1997: the Consultative Committee on the Heritage of the Burren – established in March 1999, interim report received, final report awaited. Terms of Reference: the committee shall advise the Minister where her Department's functions affect the development of the Burren and in particular will work in co-operation with the management of the Burren National Park and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in the development of the national park in a way that recognises the role of local people in the Burren area and encourages a harmonious relationship with the local communities; act as a forum to identify opportunities for the communities within the north Clare area, which will accord with the needs of nature conservation and take account of the particularly sensitive nature of the Burren National Park and the built heritage – archaeological and architectural – of the north Clare area in general; encourage the harmonious development of towns and villages in the area in keeping with their existing scale and character so that they may take advantage of development opportunities, including tourism; advise the Minister on presentation in the proposed centres supported by the Department; and encourage local knowledge, skills and techniques in the presentation of the heritage of the Burren. The committee may develop plans and proposals for the general development of the Burren. Where such proposals involve responsibilities of Ministers other than the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, the Minister shall facilitate the presentation of these proposals to other Ministers-Departments.

Forum for the Great Blasket Island – established May 2001, has not yet reported. Terms of reference: to clarify options and to achieve the widest possible consensus on the development of the Blasket Island, as a precursor to the formulation of an outline conservation management plan.