Environment Minister John Gormley says he believes that heritage properties like Fota House must be cared for and opened up for the public to enjoy.
He was speaking on a visit to the house and gardens in Co Cork today, three months after the newly established Irish Heritage Trust took over the running of the house.
Recently he announced a grant of €1.5m towards roof repairs and to bring the upper floors back into public use.
Today he viewed a collection of seven 18th and 19th century Irish paintings returned to the house thanks to a private donation.
A series of Family Fun at Fota events have also got underway and so far over 500 children and their families have taken part.
The Irish Heritage Trust was set up in July 2006 to care for historic properties, houses and gardens and Fota House was the first property acquired by the Trust.
