Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any funding is available to a person (details supplied) who has set up a company to promote heritage sites, national monuments and architectural wonders here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38447/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently developing a new element of its website, , which will guide visitors to some of our premier national monuments, particularly those in State ownership or guardianship. This work is being carried out in co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which is responsible for the day to day maintenance of such monuments. OPW’s own website, , provides details of visitor services available at national monument sites. Both my Department and the OPW are also actively assisting Fáilte Ireland (which is the key driver in all matters relating to heritage tourism) with various initiatives to promote heritage tourism.

In light of the above initiatives and the adverse effects of the prevailing economic situation on my Department’s budget, I regret that I would not be in a position at present to fund any separate website development. However, the Heritage Council administers a programme of grants, including in the area of Heritage Education, Community and Outreach, under which projects such as that referred to by the Deputy may be eligible for funding and the developer of the project may wish to contact the Council in this regard.