John Browne
Ceist:52 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he has satisfied himself with the length of time taken to finalise heritage grants.
Written Answers. - Heritage Grants.
The National Heritage Council allocates national lottery funding to heritage projects subject to my approval. The assessment of applications and decisions about whether or not to offer grant assistance are matters entirely for the Council.
The procedure is that applications to the Council are considered in the first instance by a committee of the Council and then by the full Council. Often further information is sought and there can be a waiting list of projects for consideration.
I am satisfied with the way the National Heritage Council administers its grant scheme and the rigour applied to its procedures.