Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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12. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will urgently appoint the appropriate staff to the national park, Killarney, County Kerry, and to the added new facility of Killarney House and Gardens for the summer tourism season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16746/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Staffing requirements for both Killarney National Park and Killarney House remain the subject of consideration in light of my Department’s overall business needs and the approved pay framework for 2015. The final phase of restoration, refurbishment and new works at Killarney House is currently ongoing and, accordingly, the nature and extent of posts required, including their budgetary implications, have yet to be finally determined. I can confirm, however, that funding has been made available to appoint a horticultural assistant to assist with landscape works to the grounds and ornamental gardens of Killarney House.

My Department has recently secured approval for the recruitment of additional seasonal staff in Muckross for the 2015 season. As part of this, a new centrally located information kiosk adjacent to the main arrival point at Muckross will be established. This will enhance the visitor experience as it will provide visitors, at the very outset of their visit to the site, with valuable information on the variety of locations to visit – Muckross House, Muckross Gardens, Walled Garden Centre, Traditional Farms, nature trails, and so forth.