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

I am pleased to have this opportunity to address the committee again on the 2017 Estimates for my Department. These Estimates were originally considered by the committee on 11 May this year and voted by the Dáil on 30 May. As of 26 July 2017, responsibility for regional and rural affairs has been transferred to my colleague, Deputy Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development. The resources associated with these functions have also transferred to the newly established Department of Rural and Community Development. My Department has been refocused as the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. A further Revised Estimate is now necessary to give effect to this change in responsibilities and functions.

The gross provision available to my Department in 2017 is now €288.4 million. In broad terms, the breakdown of allocations is as follows: €158 million for arts, culture and film; more than €45 million for the conservation and protection of Ireland’s built and natural heritage; €46.6 million for the Irish language, the Gaeltacht and the islands; and €38.5 million for North-South co-operation. The performance expenditure and targets of my Department during the first half of 2017 were considered by the committee on 4 October last. Since that time, progress continues to be made on the delivery of commitments across all programme areas and the briefing material provided to members provides further updates in this regard.