Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

70. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will investigate the possibility of categorising turf-cutting and turf use as protected cultural practices under such instruments as the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, otherwise known as the Faro Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24997/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland is not a party to the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, otherwise known as the Faro Convention.

As part of Ireland’s implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, my Department accepts applications on an ongoing basis for the inscription of cultural heritage practices to Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Applications are assessed by an independent Expert Advisory Committee, comprised of experts on ICH, who assess applications under the following three criteria:

- Does the nominated element constitute Intangible Cultural Heritage as defined in the 2003 Convention?

- Is there adequate community support & engagement for the element?

- Is the nominated element passed from generation to generation?

In reviewing applications, the Expert Advisory Committee must also take into account a number of prescribed principles including that cultural heritage practices can continue in harmony with their environment and contribute to sustainable development.

Parties interested in making an application will fund further information at nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie/about/.

It may be also noted that the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage operates the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme, which accepts applications from time to time in relation to projects on the conservation and revitalisation of fens, raised and blanket bog Special Areas of Conservation, Natural Heritage Areas and other peatland areas and is aimed at promoting public engagement with and awareness of our natural heritage.