Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 567: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements made for the establishment of the Irish Heritage Trust; the funding being provided for the trust; the other resources being provided to enable the trust to commence its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38485/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In July this year I announced the incorporation of The Irish Heritage Trust Limited with the mandate: to acquire properties of significant heritage value where there is a risk to such value, so as to provide for their proper conservation, maintenance and presentation; their public enjoyment and appreciation; and public access to them in perpetuity'. The Trust was finalised following receipt of the report of a Steering Group I had established to advise on proposals for governance of the new body.

The Irish Heritage Trust has been established as a charity (company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital) under the Companies Acts. It provides an alternative to State acquisition of major important heritage properties where there is imminent risk to their heritage value. A Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Heritage Trust was appointed in September 2006.

This year €500,000 is being provided from my Department's Vote to meet the establishment and initial running costs of the Trust. The Government has also 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. Tax relief of up to €6 million in any one year is provided for in the Finance Act 2006 for donors of properties to the Irish Heritage Trust.

The Trust has a strong remit to maximise non-Exchequer resources in support of its activities, to encourage membership and volunteers and to be financially self-sufficient over time. However in its early years the Trust will be reliant on State support and the Government has committed itself to providing this in the initial period.