asked the Minister for Education in respect of each of the 15 licensed archaeological excavations mentioned in his reply to Question 314 of 18 October 1977 wherein he stated there was no record of a report of findings of archaeological objects in accordance with the provisions of section 23 of the National Monument Act 1930, if he is satisfied that no such objects were found, if not, if he has reported the matter to the Office of Public Works who have responsibility for the enforcement of section 23 and if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Archaeological Excavations.
21.
It is now possible to state that objects were found in the case of five of the archaeological excavations referred to in the question. I have no knowledge of objects having been found in the case of the remaining excavations. My Department have been in touch with the Office of Public Works in relation to the enforcement of conditions specified in the National Monuments Acts with regard to the reporting of objects found in archaeological excavations. I have issued instructions that the matter be brought to a conclusion without further undue delay.
22.
asked the Minister for Education, in respect of each of the 30 licensed archaeological excavations mentioned in his reply to Question 319 of 18 October 1977 in respect of which a report of the findings of archaeological objects was received in accordance with section 23 of the National Monument Act 1930: (a) if the reports may be inspected by the public, the press or by public representatives; (b) the number, value and type of the objects reported; (c) if the objects are still within Ireland; (d) if adequate measures have been taken to conserve the objects by those persons in whose possession the objects now are; (e) where and in whose possession the objects now are; (f) if the objects are open to public inspection and if he is satisfied with the arrangements for the conservation, display and scientific study of the objects.
(a) As I indicated in reply to Dáil Questions Nos. 295 and 296 on 6 December 1977, information required by the public or their representatives on specific finds or excavations reported to the National Museum is available on request.
(b) The number of finds varies from one to several thousand depending on the location and they include querns, potsheads, human and animal bones, flints and pottery. Their commercial value has not been assessed.
(c) I have no reason to assume that the object are not still in this country. Export of archaeological finds can only be done under licence. No applications for a licence has been received in relation to any of the objects specified in the question.
(d) I am not in possession of the information sought in relation to the conservation of the objects not lodged in the National Museum.
(e) Some of the objects have been lodged in the National Museum, some objects are in the possession of the Office of Public Works and some in the Department of Archaeology of University Colleges, Dublin and Cork. A small number of objects may still be in the possession of private excavations.
(f) I am satisfied that appropriate action in relation to conservation, display and scientific study is being taken with regard to those objects lodged in the National Museum and in other institutions under public control.