James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 837: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding for a heritage officer in County Westmeath in view of the fact that it is one of the few counties without such a provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Since 1999, the Heritage Council, under the aegis of my Department, has developed a partnership programme with local authorities to facilitate the employment of Heritage Officers. To date, my Department has provided funding of €4.4 million to the Heritage Council for the programme and the initial intake of three Heritage Officers under it has now grown to twenty eight.

The employment of Heritage Officers is a matter in the first instance for each local authority. I understand that Westmeath County Council employed a Heritage Officer with Heritage Council support from 2003 to 2007. The Heritage Council offered to continue to support the employment of a Heritage Officer by the County Council at a rate of 25% of all salary costs. However, I understand the Council decided to discontinue its involvement in the programme.