John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the problems with national heritage cemetery sites caused by the prohibition of FÁS and community employment schemes to cut grass at these cemeteries; the plans he has in place to ensure the proper maintenance of these sites, as many sites are overgrown with grass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24464/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not have responsibility for FÁS Community Employment Schemes. However, we are responsible for the operation of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), which is managed at a local level around the country by Integrated Local Development Companies.

Communities have benefited from the work undertaken by RSS participants, including the valuable work carried out in the local cemeteries. However, the Deputy will appreciate that there is a clear requirement for my Department to ensure that any work undertaken is compliant with the relevant laws and that appropriate permissions are obtained.

My officials recently requested that work under the RSS in graveyards that are 'recorded archaeological monuments' be temporarily suspended, pending the finalisation of guidelines for the conduct of such work. These guidelines, prepared in co-operation with the National Monuments Service, have now issued to the Integrated Local Development Companies.

Accordingly, work in graveyards and other sites that are recorded archaeological monuments can now proceed as per the new arrangements, in a way that is helpful to the communities while also preserving our archaeological and historical heritage.