Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the new arrangements being made regarding opening times of the national heritage sites to facilitate tour coaches trying to showcase as much as possible in a short timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21678/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works is responsible for the care and management of approximately 780 National Monuments and Historic Properties that are in State ownership. A guide service on a seasonal or year-round basis is provided at 70 sites. Details of the opening times and facilities on each site are available on www.heritageireland.ie. There have been no significant changes to the existing arrangements at guided sites.

All tour operators who are members of the tour operator voucher scheme avail of the discounted rate of admission to our heritage sites. Advance booking is necessary at sites to ensure that the tour group will have an allocated time for their visit. OPW acknowledges the importance of welcoming tour groups to the sites under its care and takes all possible steps to ensure their visit highlights Ireland's rich heritage.