John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Finance if Black Freren Gate, Kilkenny city, is in the care or ownership of the Office of Public Works; if a recent inspection has been carried out as to the safety of the structure; if the structure will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2968/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Black Freren Gate, which has been the subject of previous parliamentary questions by the Deputy, is not in the care or ownership of the Office of Public Works. It is thought to be in local authority ownership. Furthermore, as the gate is the subject of a preservation order, No. 1 of 1997, anyone seeking to do works to it would be required to seek permission from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Minister is also charged with protecting from damage any structure subject to a preservation order.

The Office of Public Works undertakes inspections of the monument at regular intervals on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and submits reports to his Department.