Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how 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. [5195/12]

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 included in Appendix IIb as a candidate body for critical review by end-June 2012. The focus of the review in relation to the Council is to examine the potential merger of functions of the Council into my Department. Any decision in relation to the future of the Council will await the finalisation of that review. Funding of some €48.421m has been made available to my Department in 2012 to support investment and the delivery of services across the built and natural heritage areas. This represents a reduction from €52.096m in 2011.

It may be noted that due to the national economic difficulties, there has been a significant reduction in the capital allocations provided to my Department since 2008. However, notwithstanding these constraints, I intend to ensure that service levels are maintained to the extent possible, with funding directed at priority areas of environmental compliance, protection of structures at risk, and supporting tourism and economic renewal.