Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013
73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the potential for the sensitive excavation of collected historical and heritage sites with a view to using such locations as a means to promote interest in Irish history and culture at home and abroad, with specific reference to generating interest in our culture through the education and tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44250/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 724 of 18 September 2013.
Funds are allocated each year within my Department's capital budget for archaeological works arising out of Office of Public Works projects at national monuments in State care. In 2013, €55,000 was allocated towards these projects to progress them towards report and-or publication stage. The information and knowledge gleaned from such activities makes a significant contribution to our understanding of some of our most important monuments and provides a valuable resource for the professional and educational sectors. In that regard, my Department and the Office of Public Works, which operates visitor services at certain national monuments around the country, are in ongoing contact with a view to keeping visitor service guides informed of the results of the latest research relevant to their particular site.
