Ms Clare McGrath:

According to my information, 225 events were held in the castle - in Parade Tower and on the grounds - in 2012. I appreciate the Chairman's comments, which we will pass on to the people on the ground who are running the castle. Upgrades are constantly under way, as is the work on conserving the contents, including artwork, frames, etc. The education programme is ongoing. Outsourced heating for the tea rooms was completed this year. Work is under way with the St. Patrick's Day committee as part of a year-long programme to attract visitors from home and abroad. A Kilkenny Castle day was held on 11 March in 2012.

As with other facilities that we manage with a view to using them for events and presentations, Castletown House being another example, we are constantly engaging with the local community, the local authority and local and regional tourism boards as to how to promote it. We are examining whether there are ways to market it further. We might engage someone to help in that regard.