Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans for the former Hume Street Hospital to ensure that it retains some form of civic use. [23698/12]

Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the purchase of numbers three to eight Hume Street, Dublin, for the purposes of a cultural centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23744/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 321 together.

The complex of buildings referred to by the Deputies is on the Record of Protected Structures for Dublin City. My Department has no involvement in the current ownership or use of the former Hume Street Hospital and has no plans involving these buildings. My statutory role with regard to protected structures is underpinned by the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011 and does not extend to any function regarding the sale of a protected structure in private ownership. Under Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Acts, inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them in order to safeguard their future, in this case Dublin City Council. My Department's policy and best practice advice consistently recommends that appropriate new uses are identified and pursued for all vacant or derelict protected structures, as this is the best means of ensuring conservation of their architectural heritage.