asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on a report (details supplied) that many pre-historic monuments are being destroyed daily in the fields of Ireland; and if he will initiate a publicity campaign to draw the attention of farmers and rural organisations to this and to ask for their co-operation in preserving all such monuments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prehistoric Monuments.
14.
I am well aware of the problem of the destruction of pre-historic monuments and I have referred to the matter previously. The most effective manner in which to deal with the problem is by new legislation to amend the National Monuments Acts, 1930 and 1954 and such legislation is now being prepared.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the first thing to do in this area would be to have an inventory made of all these monuments? In that connection, could he give us any indication as to how the survey by his office is proceeding?
That is a separate matter. I have not the information at my disposal. I can communicate with the Deputy privately, as has been done on that matter. I feel very strongly on this issue because where I come from we are loaded with historical monuments and I have expressed the wish that legislation should be prepared and it has been prepared and circulated to other Government Departments.
That is encouraging and I accept the assertion that the Parliamentary Secretary is interested in this matter and as he comes from Corca Dhuibhne one would expect him to be. Would he agree that the most important thing initially is to have any monument of any importance listed and that that process does not require legislation? Would he make inquiries about how the archaeological survey of the country is proceeding?
It is a question of the staff involved. I am not sure of the position but I think we advertised and we did not get the people we were looking for.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary give us any idea as to when the Bill might be circulated to the Deputies and what is the nature of the Bill?
As the Deputy knows, legislation like that is confidential until it comes before the Dáil. It has to be circulated to the other Departments and I hope that they will deal with it as soon as possible.
When will this be? After the next election? Next year?
Question No. 15 postponed.