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

I concur with the Deputy that our heritage sites are very much part of our tourism industry and a large number of tourists come here to visit them. Only one member of the Department's professional staff, an archaeologist, is due to retire. I do not know from where the figure suggesting that 60% of heritage specialists will retire came or on what basis the article in question, which appeared in one of the national newspapers, was written. There does not appear to be any grounds for it. Having checked with the Office of Public Works, the number of OPW staff retiring in the coming months is also relatively low. The number of heritage specialists will be only minimally affected by forthcoming retirements. I assure the Deputy that information provided by my Department and the Office of Public Works suggests the figure of 60% does not have any basis.

Despite the fact that all Departments are working in constrained circumstances, the emphasis on our built and natural heritage remains as strong as ever in my Department and the Office of Public Works, for which the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, has responsibility. Deputy Troy can rest assured that our focus on this area will be maintained this year and in the years ahead. Funding for the built and natural heritage was hard hit between 2008 and 2011 and was, unfortunately, further reduced this year because all Departments were required to reduce capital expenditure. I tried to protect funding as much as I could and remain convinced that sufficient resources remain available to continue the service of conservation, protection and promotion.

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