asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Land Commission is about to acquire a portion of the Hill of Tara for division, on which there are a number of sites of very great historical interest; and, if so, if he will state what steps the Government propose to take to preserve these sites on behalf of the nation and, further, in view of the fact that the other portion of the Hill of Tara is still in private hands, if it is proposed to take it over so as to include the whole Hill of Tara under Government control and protection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hill of Tara.
I am aware that the Land Commission have instituted proceedings for the vesting in them of, inter alia, portion of the lands comprising the Hill of Tara on which are situated earthworks which are national monuments in State care. These proceedings do not prejudice the preservation of the monuments. The remaining national monuments at Tara, all of which are also in the guardianship of the Commissioners of Public Works, are likewise safeguarded against unauthorised interference.