Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to extend the school heritage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42024/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The heritage in schools scheme is one of a range of heritage programmes supported by the Heritage Council. This year, my Department is providing €4.8 million of Exchequer funding for the Heritage Council, together with €1.5 million from my Department’s share of the Environment Fund, to support the work of the council in its role of improving heritage infrastructure, heritage awareness, and promoting best practice in conservation and sustainable heritage management.

It is a matter for the Heritage Council to allocate funds to the various schemes which it supports. I understand that in 2012 some €250,000 was allocated to the heritage in schools scheme by the Heritage Council and 1,100 schools were visited by heritage specialists, reaching some 120,000 children. I further understand that the 2012 funding has now been fully allocated.

Without prejudice to the outcome of the current review of the Heritage Council, it will be a matter for the council to decide if further funding should be allocated to this scheme in future years, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. The school heritage scheme is very important as it enables children to explore heritage in their own areas. Sometimes it is right under their noses and they are not aware of it. The programme has gone from strength to strength since it was initiated in 1999 reaching 116,392 children in 2011. Does the Minister agree that additional funding should be provided in light of the Heritage Council's plans to expand the programme to 200,000 children in 2016, the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Heritage Council operates at arms' length from me. I can issue a policy directive but cannot instruct it as to where to spend its money. Before I came to office, the funding of the Heritage Council was reduced drastically, but that is the scenario facing all Departments at present. However, I believe the council has adequate funding to do an effective job. As a former teacher of history and geography - some time ago - I greatly value the teaching of heritage and the promotion of heritage in our schools as much as possible. It is important for young people to know where they came from, their families, village, parish and county. That is a most important base for people to have. Before understanding the history of Europe and the world we should understand our own history first. This is a very important programme in ensuring that.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Has the Minister had or does he plan to have any discussions with the Heritage Council regarding policy directive around funding?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Coincidentally the Deputy may be aware that representatives of the heritage Council will be in Listowel tomorrow so I will be speaking to them. I will have the opportunity to discuss a range of subjects with them and I will mention that the Deputy suggested I should raise this subject with them - I will be delighted to do so.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Minister get back to me subsequently?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Of course - I always do.