Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

97. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason why Kilmainham Gaol has moved from a seven to five day a week opening hours; when this last took place (excluding closures for national holidays and pandemic related reasons); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3157/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Firstly, can I reassure the Deputy that the move to a five-day week offering for Kilmainham Gaol is a very temporary measure.

It is with great regret that my officials had to take this short-term measure as a last resort in the context of a recruitment shortfall which has resulted in a reduced staffing roster at the Gaol.

Unfortunately, the current arrangements arise from the recent departure of a number of permanent Guide staff who took up new roles outside the organisation in the latter end of 2023. There has been a short but unavoidable delay in the recruitment of permanent staff to backfill these positions which regrettably has resulted in a reduced workforce to staff and operate the Gaol and museum. This situation is currently being addressed as a matter of priority and it is envisaged that the site will return to seven-day operations by mid to end of February.

While the site may be closed generally to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays for the next few weeks, please be assured that tour bookings which were booked and confirmed are being honoured by a skeleton staff. This current arrangement also ensures that the site operates as normal with full opening to public Wednesday to Sunday each week which are generally the busiest days.

It is hoped that we will be successful in recruiting new staff for the Gaol in the upcoming Permanent Guide competitions to fill the current vacancies.

The OPW is taking this opportunity to undertake some outstanding maintenance tasks within the Gaol.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

98. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of tour guides who formerly worked in Kilmainham Gaol, on both seasonal and permanent contracts, who are now working in other OPW heritage sites. [3158/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Available records for this query exist from 2014.

12 tour guides who formerly worked in Kilmainham Gaol, on both seasonal and permanent contracts, are now working in other OPW heritage sites.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

99. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform given the recruitment issues for guiding staff in heritage sites, as evidenced by multiple seasonal calls in 2023, if his Department will move to a model which ensures that the majority of guiding staff, that is those below head guide/supervisor levels are employed on a full time basis in sites which are open year round such as Kilmainham Gaol. [3159/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is planned to recruit a further 6 permanent guides for Kilmainham Gaol this year and these new posts will be advertised in March. However there will still continue to be a role and requirement for seasonal guides at Kilmainham Gaol to address variations in visitor numbers. As a result, the OPW will continue to operate the model at Kilmainham Gaol involving both fulltime permanent and seasonal guides. This model will also continue to apply in other relevant locations to ensure that variations in visitor numbers are managed effectively across the OPW's sites.