asked the Minister for Finance if a cesium magnetometer is in use in this country for archaeological surveys.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Archaeological Surveys.
3.
Mr. Kenny
A cesium magnetometer is not used in this country for archaeological surveys. One has been tried as an experiment on a couple of sites but with indecisive results.
I understand that this particular magnetometer has been used very successfully in places like Greece and that archaeological finds have been made with its assistance. Is there any reason why this machine could not be adapted to suit Irish conditions?
Mr. Kenny
To tell the Deputy the truth he has the same information which was supplied to me. My information is that such surveys were carried out, with very useful results, by American archaeologists working in Italy, Greece and Turkey. This cesium magnetometer was used, experimentally, in Ireland at Navan Fort, County Armagh and in Dun Ailinne, County Kildare. It appears that the soil made the results completely indecisive. The results were indecisive in both cases and this suggested that this type of survey gives better results in Mediterranean regions than in Irish conditions.
I should like the Parliamentary Secretary to make inquiries to see if this particular machine could be adapted to suit Irish conditions.
Mr. Kenny
I will do that. I should like to ask my predecessor, Deputy Lemass, what exactly is this cesium magnetometer?
I am afraid we shall have to wait for that and pass on to the next question.
I think the keyword here is magnet. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that today we have Mediterranean conditions here.
Mr. Kenny
Some days we have such conditions but I believe that it is the condition of the soil, its dampness, Which interferes with the working of this machine.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give the House a brief definition of cesium?
Mr. Kenny
I would need a dictionary for that.