asked the Minister for Finance the total number of persons directly employed by his Department in archaeological survey work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Archaeological Survey Work.
21.
Mr. Kenny
At present there are four persons directly employed on archaeological survey work.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state how many archaeologists and photographers are employed on this work?
Mr. Kenny
Two archaeologists are attached to the Archaeological Survey Office at present located at Robinstown, Mullingar, while work on field monuments in Westmeath and the adjacent counties is in progress. A third archaeologist operating from Dublin is employed on an inventory of architectural monuments. The recent appointment of a senior archaeologist as director of the Archaeological Survey Office brings the professional archaeological staff to four. He has not yet taken up duty as director as he is finishing some work on which he was engaged. An architectural assistant is normally employed on the work of the survey. This post is now vacant. A small number of workmen are employed each summer in connection with field work.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that technically qualified people are prepared to take a reduction in salary in an effort to speed up this work? Further, will he follow the example of Northern Ireland and give the results of the three counties already surveyed?
Mr. Kenny
The only example in the Six Counties is that of Down. It would be a very good idea when we have one county finished if we published that survey. It would give an incentive to local bodies to help in the work in their own county.