Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way the recently announced plans for public sector reform will affect the role and functions of the Heritage Council; the way he intends to ensure the continued protection and enhancement of our national heritage; if service levels will be maintained and improved; the savings which are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36570/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Under the Public Service Reform programme announced by Government on 17th November last, the Heritage Council is listed as a 'Body for Critical Review' by end-June 2012. The focus of the review is to examine the potential merger of the functions of the Council into my Department.

The Heritage Council has made a significant contribution since its inception in 1996 to vastly improving our collective appreciation and understanding of our rich national heritage. However, the Government is intent on putting in place a more streamlined public sector and there have been significant legislative and policy developments in the heritage area since the Council was established, which need to be taken into account. We need to consider how best to promote and cherish our heritage, and how best to deliver an accountable and high quality heritage service in the context of a smaller public sector and reduced resources. This will be the focus of the review over the next few months. Issues around levels of service and cost will be considered as part of the review, as will the context of the totality of resources available to my Department.

On the general issue of ensuring the continued protection and enhancement of our national heritage, my Department will continue, within available resources, to:

· promote the role which Ireland's heritage has to play in making Ireland an attractive destination for sustainable tourism and inward investment, and

· provide for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage in accordance with best practice and legal requirements, both nationally and internationally.