Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is within the competency of the Office of Public Works to be able to set and enforce bye-laws for members of the public at OPW managed sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24044/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the care and operational management of a large number of properties and sites nationwide, including a significant number of heritage sites. These heritage properties range from nationally and internationally important prehistoric monument sites to later examples of the built heritage from various eras and key national historic houses and gardens.

In this context of the management of certain properties within the heritage portfolio, there are powers under primary legislation for relevant Ministers to create bye-laws governing, inter alia, aspects of public access to and activities within these properties. The enforcement of bye-laws duly created is a matter for site management personnel employed by OPW who are charged with monitoring the properties on a regular and ongoing basis and who ensure that relevant provisions are adhered to.