Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he has taken to ensure that all national monuments are publicly accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29864/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Heritage Service of the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the conservation, care and management of approximately 780 National Monuments that are in State ownership or guardianship. Of these, some 50 are presented to the public by way of a dedicated guide service. Many of the monuments are open year round while others open on a seasonal basis. These can be visited by prior arrangement or by contacting an OPW appointed key holder. Many other National Monuments that do not have a guide service are freely accessible to the public. Some monuments, however, are situated on privately owned land and do not have public right of access unless with the permission of the landowner. A number of monuments may be closed for a period for the purposes of conservation works. It is the policy of the OPW to ensure that as many of the monuments under its care are accessible to the public. A recent initiative to offer free access on one day each month to all monuments at which a charge normally applies has raised public awareness of these sites and has resulted in a significant increase in visitor numbers.