Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:39 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to extend the opening of our national monuments; if he will review the entry charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Monuments.
The opening arrangements and entry charges relating to the visitor heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works are reviewed on an annual basis.
The opening arrangements for each site are subject to the financial resources available to the Commissioners of Public Works for the recruitment of guide/information officers.
The entry charges to each site are based on a number of factors, the main one being the extent of visitor services provided. There are special concession rates for groups, families, senior citizens, students and children. Admission charges are kept at a reasonable level to ensure that no member of the public is precluded from visiting heritage sites.
The Office of Public Works will be providing visitor services at 39 heritage sites throughout the country in 1993. I am arranging to have a copy of the opening arrangements for these sites, including entry charges, to be sent to the Deputy's office for her information.