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

I return to a foreign language. My Department has a broad range of responsibilities in respect of the protection of the national heritage, built and natural. It directly manages six national parks and 78 nature reserves; it owns several national monuments, which are in the care and management of the Office of Public Works; and it has responsibility for policy regarding world heritage sites, of which there currently are two - Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael.

More generally, my Department is also responsible for policy and legislation in respect of archaeological and architectural heritage matters. It works on a cross-departmental and inter-agency basis on many aspects of its business. In particular, my Department works closely with the Office of Public Works in respect of issues such as investment in the conservation and presentation of historic properties and national monuments in State care, the management of world heritage sites and a range archaeological issues.

Other key cross-cutting initiatives include the work of an expert group, established by my Department in May 2008, to undertake a comprehensive review of archaeological policy and practice and an expert advisory committee, set up in 2011 and representing key stakeholders, to review the operation of Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011 in respect of protection and management of architectural heritage.

The heritage area is increasingly identified as crucial in developing the tourism sector and my Department is committed to promoting Ireland's rich heritage and in presenting Ireland as an attractive destination for tourism and sustainable inward investment. In this regard, my Department is directly involved in developing heritage initiatives with Fáilte Ireland, the Heritage Council and other organisations to contribute to the quality of the national heritage tourism product.

The issue of establishing further inter-agency groups over and above the initiatives I have outlined should be justified on the basis of need and in light of the priorities facing my Department at a time of reduced resources.

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