Ms Virginia Teehan:

It is very nice to see Deputy Duffy again and the questions that he raises are vital ones. The increased employment of conservation officers and archaeologists specifically for this Bill is important. In securing that, one pending good sign is the introduction of Heritage Ireland 2030, which will be a national heritage plan. It is not referred to in this Bill but it is a piece of work that has been developed by the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, and I understand it is at a very advanced stage. Equally, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed that there is funding from the national development plan to facilitate the implementation of Heritage Ireland 2030. I will not give a figure for this because I do not know the exact amount off the top of my head. That strongly focuses on supporting local authorities in developing increased capacities for personnel in heritage. Our experience in the Heritage Council is that we operate the heritage officer programme, in conjunction with the local authorities. We also provide annual funding to each local authority for a county heritage plan, which Deputy Duffy referred to. This funding must be increased significantly.

Currently, we operate seven major grant schemes, five of which are directed towards local authorities and that is only a drop in the ocean. The funding needs to be significantly increased. It is wonderful that this Government has certainly significantly increased funding for heritage. Much work needs to be done and it needs to be focused on getting in the right people. This monuments and archaeological heritage Bill requires the engagement of professional archaeologists as employees of the State and not the contracting out of this work. This is no disrespect to the private sector but we need the human capacity to be built into the State infrastructure and into local authorities on the ground. These are points that are well made and there are some good signs on the horizon.