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Heritage Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Ceisteanna (1348, 1349, 1350)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

1348. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the heritage in schools scheme was recently closed for bookings. [25349/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

1349. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding for the heritage in schools scheme was reduced in 2018; if so, the extent of the reduction; the reason for same; and the budget for the scheme following this reduction. [25350/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

1350. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if costs relating to oversight of the heritage in schools scheme increased in 2018; and if so, the reason for same. [25351/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1348 to 1350, inclusive, together.

The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, is independent in the performance of its functions.

In 2018, I allocated funding of €6.377M to the Heritage Council. This is an increase of €123,000 on the 2017 allocation, which, in turn, had been increased by over €1 million on the 2016 allocation.

The Heritage in Schools Programme is very popular and successful in raising awareness and appreciation of our national heritage.

I am informed by the Heritage Council that the amount allocated for Heritage in Schools increased from €255,000 in 2016 to €300,000 in 2017. On the basis of information currently available, and depending on uptake of planned bookings in the course of the year, the Council expects to spend over €315,000 on the scheme in 2018. That's an increase of almost 24% in two years.

It is a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding is allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports.

I understand that Heritage in Schools is fully booked for this year. I also understand, however, that the Heritage Council is examining whether it can identify further funding to allow the Programme to expand and meet increased demand. The Heritage Council plans to develop the Programme further as part of its new Strategic Plan which will be published shortly.

In relation to the costs of oversight of the programme, I am informed that there has been no increase in 2018 compared to 2017. Changes were made to the programme in 2017, arising from the recommendations of an independent review of the scheme commissioned by the Heritage Council and completed in August 2016. These included the appointment of a project manager.

More detailed information on this Programme and the Heritage Council’s other activities is available on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie or by contacting the Council directly.

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