Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Dec 1977

Vol. 302 No. 5

Written Answers. - Archaeological Excavations.

253.

Mr. Donnellan

andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in each instance the total amount of money paid out in the past ten years in grants towards the cost of archaeological excavations where (a) objects discovered have not been lodged in the National Museum, and (b) reports have not been received as to the finding of objects in accordance with the terms of section 23 of the National Monuments Act, 1930; the steps he is taking to have these conditions fulfilled; and if he will review policy in relation to the granting of such moneys.

254.

Mr. Donnellan

andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if persons who have received grants from his Department in the past towards the cost of archaeological excavations in respect of which the provision of the National Monuments Acts and the conditions of excavation licences have not been fully complied with, will be eligible to receive such grants in future.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.

The information sought by the Deputies in regard to grants towards the cost of archaeological excavations is available in my answer to Question No. 287 of 18th October, 1977, and the answer by the Minister for Education to Question No. 314 of the same date.

There is no obligation on the excavators to lodge in the National Museum the objects discovered. The Commissioners of Public Works are in touch with the excavators concerned to ensure that any archaeological objects found are reported.

The policy in relation to the granting of moneys for archaeological excavation is under continuous review, including the question of whether persons who have not fully complied with all the conditions of their licence should get further grants.

255.

Mr. Bruton

andMr. Donnellan asked the Minister for Finance the present position in relation to, and the terms of reference of the archaeological survey being carried out by the Office of Public Works; its annual budget; the number of officers involved full-time on it; the number of counties already surveyed; the arrangements for the publication of the survey; if significant evidence has been found in the course of the survey of destruction or deterioration of ancient monuments or archaeological sites in the recent past; and, if so, if he will give details.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

The terms of reference of the Archaeological Survey are:

—the survey to be a complete record of all the visible remains of field monuments of every age and type,

—a standard procedure to be adopted in regard to the technique of recording monuments both in drawing and verbal description; the records to contain all essential scientific data.

—a systematic territorial coverage to be followed.

The provision for the survey in the current year is approximately £45,000.

Five archaeologists and three surveyors are currently engaged full-time on the survey.

To date the survey is at various stages of completion in Counties Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan, Westmeath, Longford, Kildare, Dublin and Offaly.

The preparation of the survey report is commencing this month and it is intended to publish it in parts as completed.

In the course of the survey there was evidence that a number of monuments had been destroyed. The rate of destruction varied from one area to another but on average was somewhat over 15 per cent of those for which records were available.

256.

Mr. Bruton

andMr. Donnellan asked the Minister for Finance the various sources from which grants are made by him towards the cost of archaeological excavation.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

Grants towards the cost of archaeological excavations are made by the Commissioners of Public Works from funds provided in subhead J.I. of the Vote for Public Works and Buildings.

257.

Mr. Bruton

andMr. Donnellan asked the Minister for Finance why publication within a reasonable time of the results in appropriate learned journals is not amongst the conditions imposed in respect of each grant of public funds towards archaeological excavations.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

Publication of the results of excavations, some of which may continue for years, may require much research and so on. It would not be possible to decide in advance what would be a reasonable time for research and so on in any one case and it would, therefore, be impractical to impose publication within a fixed time as a condition of the grant.

258.

Mr. Donnellan

andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of searches of historical ships wrecked within this country's territorial waters having been carried out in recent years; if he will give details of each such search; if the objects found have been lodged in the National Museum; and if the search has been governed by the existing rules in relation to archaeological excavations.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

I am aware that searches of some historic ships wrecked along the Irish coast have been carried out in recent years. However, the National Monuments Acts impose no duties and confer no powers on me or on the Commissioners of Public Works in relation to such wrecks.

259.

Mr. Donnellan

andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has any proposals to extend the provisions of the National Monuments Acts to wrecked ships in this country's waters.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

Proposals to bring the national monuments legislation up to date are under consideration by the Commissioners of Public Works. Until these proposals have been submitted to and approved by the Government it would be premature to give any details.

260.

Mr. Donnellan

andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will make it a condition of the issuing of licences for archaeological excavations and for the granting of public moneys towards the cost of archaeological excavations that conservation work on objects found be carried out by persons qualified for such work; and that a report thereon be submitted in each case to the Director of the National Museum.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Colley)

I am advised that the owner of land which is archaeologically excavated is entitled to any objects found, other than treasure trove. I have accordingly no statutory function in relation to the custody or conservation of such objects.