Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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113. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when funding will be provided to the National Botanic Gardens o carry out restoration works to the two historic greenhouses, the cactus house and the giant waterlily house, which are both listed buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47252/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Refurbishment of glasshouses is an objective of the Office of Public Works. However, bearing in mind the limited capital funding available and the necessity to prioritise expenditure of that funding, it is unlikely that the multi-million euro works will proceed in the short term. The Commissioners are open to proposals from the private sector and will be exploring options in this regard. In the meantime, research on and scoping of the necessary restoration works will be continuing.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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114. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when funding will be provided to the National Botanic Gardens in order to increase its staffing levels in its scientific and horticultural teams which are at an acutely low level in terms of sustaining the gardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47253/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The National Botanic Gardens has housed the National Herbarium since 1970. In 2006 the staffing level of the Herbarium was raised from four employees to six. Unfortunately the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Civil Service has meant that of the 4 vacancies that occured during this period none could filled as they arose.

I can now advise the deputy the post of Taxonomist, who will act as the Keeper of the Herbarium, has recently been advertised and an appointment will be made as soon as possible. It is hoped to augment the staff compliment with further appointments over time.

Within the Horticultural staff we now have a complete team of 23 horticulturists.