Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We estimate that there are 25,000 jobs involved in the area of Ireland's historic environment and that €1.5 billion is being generated, so when we talk about investment in the Heritage Council, it is investment, not expenditure, and it more than pays for itself. Is it true the Minister of State has refused the extra €2.5 million for which the Heritage Council asked? Where stands does the action plan promised for historic properties? Has it been published yet? If it has not, when will it be published? Is the Minister going to develop the heritage in schools programme into second level where there is obviously a need? What more can she do to support the work of heritage officers? In Kildare, for example, we have an outstanding heritage officer who does great work and one can see tangible benefits from what she does on the ground in the form of additional visits to Kildare. I am sure it is the same in the Minister's county and in many others throughout country. What will the Minister do to ensure there is additional spending which gives rise to revenue for the Exchequer?

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