Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Funding of over €47 million has been made available in 2018 for my Department's heritage programme. This includes €36.7 million allocated for current expenditure with a further €10.4 million in capital funding. This allocation has allowed for increased investment in both our built and natural heritage.

Our national parks and nature reserves remain a vital tourism resource which underpins the economy, both nationally and regionally. The strategic partnership between Fáilte Ireland and the National Parks & Wildlife Service will also increase the awareness of the benefits of our parks and reserves and show how they can help to create and sustain jobs as well as contribute to economic and regional development.

The built heritage investment scheme will operate again in 2018. The scheme aims to protect our built heritage and create and protect employment across the country and, together with the structures at risk fund, leverage significant private investment and stimulate labour intensive projects nationwide.

The protection of Ireland's unique raised bog special areas of conservation is a key concern, as is the avoidance of major fines by the European Court of Justice.

Priority also continues to be given to the turf cutter compensation schemes and investment in alternative turf cutting sites for affected cutters.

Does the Chairman want me to mention the Gaeltacht?