James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the roll out of heritage officers or the appointment of heritage officers for each local authority will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21578/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The employment of Heritage Officers is a matter in the first instance for each Local Authority. The Heritage Council, under the aegis of my Department, initiated a partnership programme with Local Authorities in 1999 to facilitate the employment of Heritage Officers. The programme involves the allocation of funding to local authorities for the employment of Heritage Officers and the provision of training, technical and professional support. Funding for the programme is provided from my Department's Built Heritage Capital Programme and administered by the Heritage Council. Total expenditure on the programme from 1999 to 2007 is €3.9 million with €500,000 being provided this year. I understand that Heritage Officers have been appointed in 27 of the 34 county and city councils.