Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

More than €38.6 million has been provided in 2017 to support the two North-South implementation bodies: An Foras Teanga, comprising Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, and Waterways Ireland. These provisions are also subject to the approval of the North-South Ministerial Council. Total gross expenditure for programme D up to 30 June 2017 was €16.192 million, or 42% of the 2017 programme allocation. Approval has been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to apply capital savings of €2 million to Waterways Ireland to provide for essential works to the waterways network at a range of locations. Our waterways heritage is an essential component of Ireland's unique selling point. Waterways Ireland's programme of maintenance, investment and marketing of these hugely important and historic bodies of water is critical in this regard. I am happy to answer any questions that members may have.