Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding announced by him for conservation of heritage; if any of the funding will be used in respect of work schemes for unemployed people, for example, in restoring buildings or historic walls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25079/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I recently announced €12.5 million in funding for the 2009 built heritage capital programme which covers a broad range of conservation schemes, including the local authority conservation grants scheme, the civic structure conservation grants scheme, the walled towns initiative, the significant places of public worship grants scheme, and funding for heritage properties both in State and private ownership.

Grants are provided to a number of bodies and individuals including local authorities, local community groups, and private owners-occupiers. Funding is provided for a variety of conservation projects including works to thatched houses, shop and public house fronts, timber sash windows, and to buildings of architectural significance generally, including town walls. The recruitment of contractors to carry out the work is a matter in the first instance for the grant recipient. My Department encourages each grant recipient to seek value for money while ensuring that the work is carried out under the supervision of a qualified expert, but has no direct role in the employment of contractors to carry out the conservation works.

However, my Department provides funding to the Office of Public Works to undertake an apprenticeship programme for training in traditional building skills. The apprenticeship positions are filled through a number of sources including through FÁS and in response to advertisements placed in the national media.