asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ascertain from Board Fáilte Éireann what steps are being taken to have places of historic interest, such as Sarsfield's Demesne, Lucan, which have hitherto been open to the public, reopened at convenient hours for visitors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Access to Places of Historic Interest.
The Deputy will be familiar with the provisions of Section 5 of the Tourist Traffic Act, 1952. I am informed that Bord Fáilte Éireann are considering what steps might be taken to provide access to selected places likely to be of interest to visitors, with due regard to the difficulties arising where such places are in private ownership and occupation.
May I take it that in the new legislation which he proposes to introduce next session the necessary steps will be taken by the Minister to ensure that places of historic importance and scenic beauty will be preserved and held for the Irish people?
That is a separate question.
Does it not arise out of the Minister's reply that the right of entry to and the right of inspection by the Irish people will be preserved?
Surely that is a wider question altogether.
I have mentioned in the question Sarsfield's Demesne and places of historic interest, apart from that demesne. Surely, in those circumstances I am entitled to put that supplementary, which is of a wider nature actually and covers more than the Lucan Demesne. Will the Minister ensure that in any proposed legislation the necessary steps will be taken to ensure that places of the nature I have mentioned will be preserved and held in the interests of the nation?
Wait and see.
The Minister will get amendments to it, then.