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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Stately Homes Policy.

Godfrey Timmins

Ceist:

9 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline his Department's policy on the acquisition and opening to the public of stately homes; and if he will further outline his views on their importance as an integral part of our tourism industry.

The stately homes, or great houses of Ireland, are primarily in private ownership but a considerable number of them are open to the general public. It is not State policy to acquire buildings such as these, save in the most exceptional circumstances. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors from both at home and abroad enjoy viewing these properties. With the ever-increasing demands on the public purse, private ownership is usually the most realistic method of conserving this significant feature of our historical and architectural heritage. The attractive tax reliefs which are available provide an important incentive to the owners of stately homes contemplating refurbishment and opening to the public.

May I put it to the Minister that the cheapest method may not be the most satisfactory one. Responsibility for stately homes in Ireland seems to be divided among a number of agencies. Would the Minister consider setting up a national trust, similar to that in Britain, rather than having three bodies such as the National Heritage Council, Bord Fáilte and the Office of Public Works trying to work out a solution or a strategy which is not satisfactory?

As has been pointed out, the proposed acquisition of such houses would have to be viewed in the light of competing demands emerging from diverse interests and also from Finance's area. The Office of Public Works have considered a number of requests from time to time but decided, in the interests of the taxpayers, that it would not be economical. Indeed, very generous tax concessions are allowed to private owners of such houses if they are open to the public for at least 30 days in the year.

Surely, that is a pennywise, pound-foolish type of policy. It has been proven in Britain, in particular, that such stately homes are a tremendous tourist attraction if they are properly organised. Would the Minister consider adopting a similar co-ordinated policy in this country?

The present system operating has been quite satisfactory. There is no obvious indication at present that a body such as that suggested by the Deputy should be set up, but if it was felt there was a need to consider that I am sure the commissioners would be happy to do so.

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