Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Certainly, the report is most welcome. There are a number of wonderful historic houses in my constituency — I am obviously being parochial — that have been recognised as tourism landmarks, including Belvedere House and Ballinlough Castle. If one visits one of these wonderful buildings, one certainly gets a strong sense of place. It helps us to appreciate our cultural identity. Many of the owners of such historic houses, including in my constituency, have done trojan work to protect them by applying considerable business acumen. Many of the houses are not just open to the public, but are also strong focal points for cultural events. I very much enjoy going to these houses to see how the other half used to live. Cultural events promote the houses and generate important income to protect and preserve them. The maintenance of the houses comprises a very significant ongoing financial challenge for the owners. Many of them have to develop business models so their houses will continue to be viable in the future.

While I understand the historic house report rules out the State fully funding or purchasing properties, I welcome the possibility of historic houses benefiting from a tax relief. Could the Minister elaborate on that?

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