Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

The Minister referred to 28 heritage officers and I resume this refers to 28 local authorities. Are these local authorities at city council and county council level or are some town councils? Is there anything in train to ensure the other local authorities have heritage officers?

The Minister made the point that there is a need for a more sustainable planning. From the point of view of the Heritage Council, sustainable planning is linked to the protection of our heritage. Heritage officers could play an important role in ensuring we do not make mistakes of the past and in ensuring we have sustainable planning and we protect the environment and heritage.

Our economy can be built on new sources of income. An obvious area for Ireland is heritage and environmental tourism. What role does the Minister see heritage officers playing?

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