Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Defence if, in view of the serious concerns being expressed in regard to the state of the Curragh plains, his plans for protecting this great national asset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12433/06]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of monuments and artefacts listed by his Department or the national monuments committee that are on the plains of the Curragh; his plans to refurbish this national item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12434/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.

There are some 70 monuments and places listed for the Curragh under the Record of Monuments and Places, as established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. The Curragh itself is classified as a recorded monument under the Act and my Department ensures that the terms of that Act are adhered to before any works or alterations are permitted. The military authorities comply with relevant planning legalisation in relation to protected structures located at the Defence Forces training centre.

The main recommendation contained in the interdepartmental task force report on the future management and development of the Curragh of Kildare is that a statutory body should be established under the aegis of the Department of Defence to manage the Curragh, with the exception of the Defence Forces training centre. The necessary legislation to give effect to this, and to other recommendations of the task force report, is being drafted. My Department will continue to protect archaeological sites and historical features situated on the Curragh plains until the new authority is established within the legislation currently being drafted.