Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What is the total sum, between the Heritage Council, the Minister's direct funds and every other fund the Minister mentioned in her answer? Off the top of my head, I figure it is approximately €3 million. There are over 30 authorities. That gives the Minister approximately €100,000 per authority. That is totally inadequate and the Minister knows it.

We face a major challenge in this area. In law and regulation, we raise the bar higher and higher in terms of the standard to which we want people to conserve property. On the other hand, we are not willing to provide the finance. Does the Minister accept that, as a consequence, the effect of conservation has actually begun to bring us backwards? Properties are deteriorating because the owners cannot afford to do anything with them and because the State cannot provide the money to assist them in reaching the incredibly high standards that have, quite rightly, been put in place. One can reach those standards, provided one has the money to do so.

The Minister is suggesting that the Heritage Council can divide the funds. That is fine. To be honest, however, it is a little like the loaves and the fishes. Those involved would want a miracle to divide the funds in any meaningful way or to make any impression on the challenge to our built heritage.

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