Vol. 550 No. 4
565 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for maintenance work on Desmond Castle, Askeaton, County Limerick. [8709/02]
The person referred to by the Deputy is employed by Dúchas the heritage service of my Department as a caretaker-keyholder at Askeaton Castle, County Limerick. The maintenance works referred to by the Deputy relate to grass cutting at Askeaton Castle for the summer months which is additional to the normal caretaking duties. I understand that a verbal arrangement was entered into in 1999 for this additional work to be undertaken and in respect of which the caretaker would receive additional payment and this was paid, based on a verbal agreement, in 1999.
As a result of unexpected changes in local management, the verbal agreement was not formalised. Arrangements have now been made to have the outstanding moneys due paid. My officials will also be arranging to meet the caretaker in the near future to formalise his duties.
