Mr. John McMahon:

In terms of the heritage properties, there would have been a slight reduction in staffing levels during the recession period when the recruitment embargo was in place. Each site is managed on an individual basis according to need. The presentation of each site is under review at all times and in some cases we have increased staff numbers. That was the case with Kilmainham Gaol, for example, where staff numbers were increased in the context of the 2016 commemoration programme. We rejuvenated and renovated the adjoining courthouse to increase the offering to the public and, as the Minister of State said, we are aiming to have 500,000 visitors at that site per annum. We also recently introduced online booking for Kilmainham Gaol. That is just one example of a site where the staffing cadre was reviewed as part of the development process. There are other sites throughout the country where we will also be attempting to rejuvenate the staffing cadre over the coming weeks and months but it all depends on resources.