Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Finance the restrictions surrounding staffing levels and opening times of visitor attraction sites under the remit of the Office of Public Works for 2009 in comparison to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27641/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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All the operations, including opening hours and staffing levels, were reviewed in the light of budgetary considerations for 2009. As a result, opening dates at many centres were brought back to Easter, and closing dates rescheduled at the shoulder of the season. Staffing numbers were rationalised, where possible. It should be pointed out that in 2008, St. Patrick's Day and the Easter Bank Holiday were contiguous, with Good Friday falling on 21 March. Many sites, therefore, opened earlier than normal around St. Patrick's Day.

In 2009, Good Friday fell on 10 April, and opening times for these sites reverted to the normal Easter opening period. All centres are open and adequately staffed during the main tourist season.