Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

The Irish Heritage Trust was established to acquire for public access major heritage properties where the State does not wish to acquire them directly and where there is an imminent risk to their heritage value. It was established in 2006 and is designated as a charity under the Companies Acts.

Current funding has been provided from the Vote of my Department towards the operational activities of the trust. A total of €360,000 was allocated in 2006; €500,000 in 2007; €520,000 in 2008; €484,000 in 2009; €436,000 in 2010; €375,000 in 2011. In addition, capital funding of €5 million was allocated in 2007 towards the conservation and presentation of Fota House in County Cork. This property was acquired by the Irish Heritage Trust that year. The financial resources available to the trust have declined, in line with the significant reduction in funding to the built heritage in recent years. These resources will continue to be constrained.

My Department has commenced a review of the operation of the trust against the backdrop of the current economic and budgetary position and in accordance with the intention that the trust would be reviewed after its initial period of operation.

Deputy Stanton has a particular interest in this question. I intend to visit Fota island in the near future. The other Deputy from that constituency might like to join us on the visit.

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