7^th January 2004

PRESS RELASE

GREEN PARTY CALLS ON CULLEN TO REVERSE CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON HERITAGE

The Green Party has called on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to reverse the decision made shortly after the last elections to transfer Heritage functions to the Department of the Environment.

"Martin Cullen is now acting as judge, jury and executioner regarding heritage issues", stated Ciarán Cuffe TD, the Green Party's Spokesperson on Heritage and Local Government. "Recent cases such as Carrickmines Castle and Planning Applications involving heritage issues show that this Minister is failing to adequately protect our heritage.

"There is a conflict of interest between the Minister's role in safeguarding heritage and promoting development.  We want to see Duchás moved back to a separate Government Department, and we voted against the changes 18 months ago.

ENDS/