Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the first issue, the Deputy rightly pointed out the role of the OPW in EU Presidency. The total amount spent by the State was one third less than was the case during the previous Presidency, some seven years ago. This is an example of the co-ordination and shared service role of the OPW.

The only subhead concerned capital projects. Six years ago, the total amount of money for OPW capital projects was €400 million. This year, it is €80 million. We are still doing all the tasks in question with capital expenditure of €80 million. The only subhead is for the Kilmainham Gaol project, which involves an investment of €10 million over a three-year period.

With regard to the Deputy's comments on the Garden of Remembrance, I fully agree with him. It is a project of the Department of Education and Skills, from which the funding comes. However, my Department, along with that of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, has been central regarding the competition for architectural support and the siting of the new memorial. It is important that we proceed with that.

We intend to publish next year a full list of the commemorative events in OPW-specific historic sites.

See this speech in context