Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funds available in respect of implementing a report by the Heritage Council in respect of archeological research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23225/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As I indicated in the reply to Question No. 323 of 10 October 2007, for each of the years 2006 and 2007, my Department provided an annual subvention of €200,000 for archaeological research purposes disbursed through the Royal Irish Academy.

In 2006, my Department requested the Heritage Council to prepare a report and recommendations on archaeological research needs. The Heritage Council submitted a detailed report in January 2007 recommending, inter alia, the establishment of a dedicated archaeological research fund to be administered by the Council. I am examining the report with a view to considering how its recommendations might be further advanced.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the level of staffing in the National Heritage Council in view of additional responsibilities that was conferred on that particular agency in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23226/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the terms of the Heritage Act 1995 the Heritage Council, with the consent of the governing Minister and the Minister for Finance, is required to employ its own staff, to determine the grades of the staff of the Council and the number of staff in each grade. The Council may employ such consultants or advisers on contract for services as it considers necessary for the proper discharge of its functions.

The current staffing structure of the Council is under consideration by the Council in consultation with my Department and the Department of Finance.