Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht what consideration is being given by him to the re-introduction of funding the Heritage Council local community grants scheme in budget 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41629/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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It is a matter for the Heritage Council to decide, in accordance with its statutory remit, how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports, having regard to competing priorities for the resources that are available to it at any particular time. In this regard, I understand that the Council made a decision to suspend its community grants scheme in 2013.

The allocation to the Heritage Council in 2014 will, of course, be subject to the normal budgetary processes. While every effort will be made to continue to provide resources for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, the Deputy will appreciate that the scope in this regard is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances.