Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for funding for the Heritage Council; if any of the cuts since 2008 will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23545/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The scope to provide additional funding for the protection, conservation and development of the State’s heritage is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances.

The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, has been allocated a sum of €4.743m in 2015 to fund its role of supporting heritage infrastructure and promoting pride and best practice in the conservation and sustainable management of heritage assets. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources.

However, my Department will continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in so far as resources allow.