Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
21 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will confirm the future of the Heritage Council in view of the report that heritage is worth €1.5 billion to the economy; if he will ensure that the 35,000 jobs it supports are safeguarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27227/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Public Service Reform programme announced by Government on 17th November last the Heritage Council is included in Appendix IIb: Candidate Bodies for Critical Review by end of June 2012. The focus of the review is to examine the potential merger of functions of the Council into my Department. Any decision in relation to the future of the Council will await the finalisation of that review.
I welcome publication of the report cited by the Deputy which was commissioned by the Heritage Council, a body funded by my Department. The Steering Committee responsible for commissioning and overseeing completion of the report was chaired by an official in my Department. The reportEconomic Value of Ireland’s Historic Environment and its findings will help to inform the development of heritage policy and related initiatives by my Department.
