Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the response to the previous parliamentary question on the issue, he will give a commitment to add Georgian Dublin to the tentative list for nomination as a UNESCO world heritage site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26772/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As outlined previously, it is intended to review the current tentative list of sites submitted to UNESCO which was compiled in 1992. Georgian Dublin can be considered in the context of that review. UNESCO Natural and Cultural World Heritage sites are only considered for inscription where they are deemed to be of 'Outstanding Universal Value' i.e. "has cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity and the permanent protection of it's heritage is of the highest importance to the international community as a whole".

A property is deemed to be of Outstanding Universal Value if it satisfies prescribed criteria, as per Section 77 of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. In addition, it must also meet prescribed standards in relation to integrity and-or authenticity, protection and management etc. As for the previous list, the advice of relevant experts will be sought on whether each proposed site meets all of these criteria.