Heritage Sites

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2024

Wednesday, 24 January 2024

Questions (99)

Patrick Costello

Question:

99. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery 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]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

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.