David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress that has been made in establishing a new national trust to safeguard old buildings; the terms of reference for the trust; the funding that will be made available for the trust; when it is expected to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5354/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In August 2005, the Government approved the establishment of an independent Irish heritage trust to acquire, for public access, major important heritage properties where the State does not wish to acquire them directly and where there is imminent risk to their heritage value through neglect or where an appropriate use cannot be brought forward through sale to a private sector investor.

In November 2005, I announced the establishment of a steering group to advise on proposals for governance of the Irish heritage trust so that a workable and effective trust can be established as quickly as possible. I have recently received the steering group report and I will shortly advise Government with detailed proposals on the structure, governance, terms of reference and members of the trust and I will announce the details publicly thereafter.

The Government has approved the provision of funding in 2006 of €5 million from my Department's Vote to enable the endowment funds to be established by the trust. Each property acquired by the trust must be accompanied by an endowment fund sufficient to conserve, maintain and present the property to the public into the future. An additional €500,000 will be provided in 2006 from my Department's Vote to meet the establishment and initial running costs of the trust. However, the trust will also have a strong remit to maximise non-Exchequer resources in support of its activities and to encourage membership and volunteers.

Tax relief capped at €6 million in any one year is provided for in the Finance Bill 2006 for donors of properties to the Irish heritage trust. This relief is available only in respect of the Irish heritage trust and is modelled on the existing scheme for heritage donations such as to the National Gallery.