Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My apologies for being late. I wish to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Newman well in his role. His curriculum vitae speaks for itself and highlights a life dedicated to protecting and learning about our heritage. I am glad that we have opportunities like this to discuss appointments, as members are afforded the chance to ask questions and consider appointees' suitability. It is a transparent and appropriate approach. Previously, the Minister appointed numerous people who had not even expressed a formal interest.

I wish to address the cutbacks in funding and grants for the Heritage Council. Will the grant schemes ever be reinstated and is there a timeframe for same? Would the implementation of the Hunt report on further education and training have ramifications for the area of heritage, particularly in terms of employees? What is Mr. Newman's opinion of medieval festivals and their economic value to communities?