asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he proposes to introduce controls on the sale and use of metal detectors and other equipment designed to forage for metals and other substances and items of interest to treasure hunters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Metal Detectors.
6.
I am not clear what aspect of the sale or use of metal detectors the Deputy feels might call for control. There is no evidence to suggest that the sale of metal detectors is the cause of any abuse or material deception, and I do not propose to introduce any controls in relation to their sale.
As to their use, I understand that it has been suggested that there could be a possibility of complaint of trespass on lands by users, or of articles of archaeological interest being sought on or near sites known or thought to hold such things, but even if there were grounds for complaint on this score it would not be a matter within the responsibility of the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary share the concern of people who are conscious of the need to protect the architectural environment of areas which might be interesting in terms of possible excavation? Irreparable damage could be done by the wanton exploitive abuse of those pieces of equipment which are now on commercial sale.
In regard to their use it is understood from the Department of Education that the National Museum have expressed concern about those detectors and about the fact that they could be used by private individuals to locate archaeological finds which are properly the property of the museum. This concern is not considered sufficient to necessitate any action. If any action were required it would be taken by the Department of Education.
I would like the Parliamentary Secretary to try to relate what she has just said to the recent information available to the House that as much as 75 per cent of certain excavated items were exported. There is serious concern that the growth in the use of those detectors could lead to irreparable damage being done. Would the Parliamentary Secretary address herself to saying what type of evidence she would consider necessary to indicate that there would be room for concern and action by her Department? Would it be at a time when irreparable damage was done?
As the Deputy is primarily concerned with the use of metal detectors in the archaeological sphere it is, as I said, a matter for the Department of Education and the Minister concerned. I suggest that the Deputy should take the matter up with him.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any information about the number of metal detectors being sold? Has there been a significant increase?
That is a separate question entirely.